PNU and ODM bigwigs to set camp in Kamukunji
The by-election is crucial for the major parties as many want to use it to gauge their strength ahead of next year’s elections. Photo/FILE
The battle for the Kamukunji parliamentary seat has intensified as PNU and ODM seek to increase their numbers in Parliament.
Political bigwigs from the two camps are among those who have toured the constituency to woo voters to vote for their respective party candidates.
To show the seriousness of ODM’s bid to capture the seat, Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to go to the constituency for the second time in a week on Sunday to drum up support for Mr Ibrahim Ahmed aka Johnny.
A statement from ODM’s office said the PM is to address roadside campaign rallies from 11 a.m.
The road show will start from Outering Road junction in Buruburu Phase I, then through to Uhuru Estate- Jerusalem-Kimathi-Eastleigh Section 3-Eastleigh Section 2-Carlifonia-Pumwani and Shaurimoyo.
“The road show shall culminate into a major campaign rally at the historic Kamukunji grounds at 3.30 pm,” the statement said.
Mr Odinga was first in the constituency on Tuesday where he pleaded with locals to vote for Mr Ibrahim to boost ODM’s numbers in Parliament which he said is crucial in implementing the new Constitution and in preparation for next year’s elections.
Mr Odinga who was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and other ODM ministers said his opponents were anti-reformists.
The PM said those who opposed the new Constitution had joined hands with the so-called ‘watermelons’ to block its implementation.
Earlier, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta led top PNU guns in campaigning for Mr Yusuf Hassan in the May 23 by-elections.
The PNU bigwigs promised Kamukunji residents various goodies if they voted for Mr Hassan.
On Saturday, Mr Musyoka’s spokesman confirmed that the VP will be leading a high-powered team in second round of campaigns in Kamukunji to ensure PNU retained the seat.
PNU secretary-general Kiraitu Murungi said the PNU Alliance leaders will camp in Kamukunji from Tuesday to campaign for Mr Hassan and urge residents to vote for him.
Affiliate parties
The PNU affiliate parties fielded a single candidate under the PNU Alliance to bolster its chances of winning the seat.
The Kamukunji seat fell vacant when Mr Simon Mbugua lost an election petition filed by Mr Ahmed.
Mr Mbugua was defeated in the PNU alliance primaries by the Mr Hassan and his efforts to get another party ticket to vie on were futile.
Other candidates in the race are Mr Brian Weke (Narc-Kenya), Ms Catherine Muthoni (GNU), Mr James Matagaro (Kenya Social Congress), Mr David Waihiga (Agano) and Mr Daniel Omao (Ford People).
The race for the seat is taking shape with Mr Hassan, Mr Ahmed and Mr Weke emerging as the front runners.
A spot check by the Sunday Nation in Kamukunji on Saturday indicated that the candidates had launched a door to door campaign to ensure they win the seat.
Posters of the candidates have been pinned all over the constituency.
By-election is crucial
The by-election is crucial for the major parties as many want to use it to gauge their strength ahead of next year’s elections.
The parliamentary seat is also crucial for the control of Nairobi politics.
Currently ODM has four MPs in Nairobi — Mr Odinga (Langata), Mr Fred Gumo (Westlands), Ms Elizabeth Ongoro (Kasarani) and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru (Starehe).
PNU on the other hand has Dagoretti (Beth Mugo) and Embakasi (Ferdinand Waititu). Makadara is held by Mr Gideon Mbuvi of Narc-Kenya.
