Big names fail to clinch the vote for their camps
Cabinet Ministers Mutula Kilonzo (left), Henry Kosgey (centre) and Naomi Shaban were among those who could not rally their constituents to support their camps. Photos/FILE
Six Cabinet ministers are among prominent politicians who failed to deliver their constituencies in the referendum.
Dr Naomi Shaban, Mr Henry Kosgey, Dr Sally Kosgei, Prof Hellen Sambili, Mr Franklin Bett and Mr Mutula Kilonzo could not rally their constituents to support their camps.
Others are top ‘No’ campaigners Mr Kiema Kilonzo (Mutito), Mr Cyrus Jirongo (Lugari), Rev Mutava Musyimi (Gachoka) and Mr Chris Okemo (Nambale).
In the ‘Yes’ camp, Mr Lenny Kivuti (Siakago), Mr Joseph Nkaiserry (Kajiado Central) and Mr Gideon Konchella (Kilgoris) lost.
Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka overcame a strong ‘No’ wave to deliver 11 of the 17 Lower Eastern constituencies to ‘Yes’.
He bagged 26,000 votes against the Reds’ 12,000 for ‘Yes’ in his Mwingi North constituency.
Leaders from the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ camps attributed Ukambani’s opposition to the proposed constitution to the strong influence of the Church.
Tight race
“People in Ukambani have very strong religious beliefs which they would not compromise, and the VP and some of us in the ‘Yes’ camp had a rough time winning them over.
Those who think that this is a reflection of the VP’s popularity in Ukambani are mistaken,” said Mwingi South MP David Musila.
Constituencies in Ukambani where ‘Yes’ won include Kitui Central, Masinga, Yatta, Mutito, Mwingi North, Mwingi South, Kitui West, Kangundo, Kibwezi and Kathiani.
‘No’ bagged Machakos Town, Kitui South, Kilome, Mbooni, Kaiti and Mwala.
