Kamukunji: Hassan clinches PNU Alliance ticket

ODM Kenya's Yusuf Hassan is the PNU Alliance flagbearer in the Kamukunji parliamentary by-election slated for May 23.

The former journalist cum United Nations official beat former MP Simon Mbugua and 11 other candidates to win the Alliance primaries at the Bomas of Kenya Thursday.

Mr Hassan garnered 460 votes against Mr Mbugua's 345 to clinch the Alliance's ticket.

Former PNU Nairobi strategist Jimmy Kuria got a paltry 8 votes, Mr David Waihiga of Agano managed only six, James Chacha (2), Joseph Kinyanjui (1), while Mr Wilson Mausa, Patrick Muriuki, Peter Muchiri, Hashim Kamau, Muthoni Kihara, Paul Waweru, and Maulid Hosman got zero votes.

Mr Waweru aka Frankie had pulled out of the race citing malpractices and jumped ship to the National Vision Party led by Nicholas Biwott.

Returning Officer Titus Ibue declared Mr Hassan the winner shortly after 4pm amid ululation from his supporters.

Mr Mbugua left the counting hall in a huff as the exercise wound down.

Mr Ibue appealed to the losers to join hands with the losers for the bigger battle awaiting the party in the mini poll.

The victor will now battle it out with Jonny Ibrahim of ODM, Narc Kenya's Brian Weke and Mr Waweru for the seat.

He thanked Kamukunji residents for the honour to represent the Alliance and singled out councillors for special praise.

"This is the start of a historic step to win the Kamukunji seat. I intend to fight for the good of the people of Kamukunji and ensure development," Mr Hassan said.

He also appealed to Mr Mbugua to work with him to ensure the Alliance emerges victorious.

However, Mr Mbugua supporters said he was shopping for a party to fulfill his ambitions.

In the nominations, the PNU Alliance decided to use the collegiate system, with all affiliate parties that had fielded candidates producing 20 delegates in every ward, who will constitute the college.

Officials from each of the 10 parties were to participate in the nominations bringing the total number of voters to 1,600. Each of the affiliates gave 160 delegates plus officials.

The winning candidate had to garner 50 plus one votes, and if non-secured the threshold, the first two would face a run off.

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