Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya Alliance has settled on Majembe Machacha to fly the coalition party’s flag in the Bungoma senatorial byelection. The seat fell vacant when Moses Wetangula was elected Speaker of the National Assembly.

Mr Machacha who has been a long time aid of former Minister Fred Gumo ran in the August 8th elections where he emerged third behind Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya and former deputy governor Charles Ngome who flew the DAP-K ticket.

There had been speculations that Wafula Wamunyinyi, the Leopard party’s supremo will throw his hat in the ring but he seems to have decided against it. Former governor Wycliffe Wangamati was also expected to join the fray but he seems to have given the contest a wide berth.

The endorsement of Mr Machacha alias “Mapangulula” by Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and former CS Eugine Wamalwa. The politician whois known for his unmatched grassroots mobilization, condoled with the family of Hon Alfred Khangati for the burial of Isack mwenya Wafula at their home in Namwacha village in Kanduyi constituency.

During the funeral, Mr Machacha asked Bungoma residents to vote for him as he has what it takes to represent them in the senate. he also gave his personal contribution of 10,000shs and 50,000 from former Kakamega governor Oparanya. The businessman cum politician also urged residents to maintain peace during and after the election period

This comes as a boost given that the race has attracted heavyweights with Kenya Kwanza coalition still experiencing pull and push as constituent parties jostle for the right to fly the coalition’s flag.

Ford Kenya is vouching for Wafula Wakoli who has been a trusted Personal assistant to Speaker Wetangula while UDA is rooting for Mwambu Mabonga who is the immediate MP for Bumula constituency.

Another notable name in the race is businessman Lendrix Waswa who will be running on an independent ticket.