Parties scramble for by-election pie

Political parties led by deputy prime ministers Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi are engaged in a fierce battle for votes ahead of the September 17 by-elections.

The National Alliance (TNA) led by Mr Kenyatta and Mr Mudavadi’s United Democratic Front (UDF) are caught up in fiery campaigns to win the hearts of the dominant Kikuyu voters in Kangema and Kajiado North constituencies.

Mr Mudavadi’s entrance into the presidential race has lowered Mr Kenyatta’s stakes with some of President Kibaki’s henchmen shifting allegiance to the UDF candidate.

Candidates from the two parties are working to outdo each other in Kajiado North, where UDF has fronted Mr Salaon Koshorda against TNA’s Moses ole Sakuda.

Mr Tirus Ngahu is TNA’s ticket bearer in Kangema while the UDF is banking on Mr Simon Kamau to secure a win.

Mr Kenyatta while campaigning in Kangema on Friday said that TNA victory would send a clear message that the people of Central Province want unity.

He called on voters to unite under one party to avoid problems caused by disunity in the 2007 polls.

“I urge you to back Mr Ngahu so he can complete projects started by Michuki,” he said.

He was accompanied by assistant minister Ferdinand Waititu, Mr Ngahu and 11 councillors from the area.

TNA secretary-general Onyango Oloo said the party was taking the by-elections seriously.

He added the party’s parliamentary candidates in Ndhiwa, Kajiado North and Kangema have the potential to clinch the seats.

“We are fielding candidates in 10 wards around the country and the message we are passing around is that this is not a contest for the Kikuyu vote,” he said.

Mr Mudavadi’s campaign team has formed different groups to take charge of its by-election campaigns as it prepares to test the waters of elective politics.

Party chairman Osman Hassan said that UDF was sponsoring candidates in two constituencies and in 10 civic wards. The party’s candidate for Ndhiwa was disqualified by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

“We are taking the by-elections very seriously as a party and that is why we are doing everything to ensure our candidates win,” he said.

The UDF treasurer, Ms Martha Wangari, and Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni are leading the party’s campaigns in Kangema.

In Kajiado North, UDF has appointed Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale to take charge.

He is also expected to lead the by-election campaigns in Kaliangombe Ward in Kaloleni. Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu has been assigned to lead the vote hunt in Waithaka Ward.