Aspirants turn heat on Ruiru MP
Ruiru Member of Parliament Esther Gathogo addresses journalists at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on June 17, 2014. She is facing strong competition for the seat from aspirants. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Isaac Mwaura, an ODM nominated MP, and Ruiru businessman Simon N’gan’ga Kin’gara have recently turned the heat on the MP in campaigns that have sometimes turned violent.
- Mr Mwaura has not yet made a public announcement but has hinted on his Facebook page that he will be ditching ODM to join President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party to give his aspirations a better chance as the region is the President’s home turf.
The battle for the Ruiru parliamentary seat has intensified, with aspirants stepping up the drive to unseat incumbent Esther Gathogo.
Mr Isaac Mwaura, an ODM nominated MP, and Ruiru businessman Simon Ng'ang'a King'ara have recently turned the heat on the MP in campaigns that have sometimes turned violent.
Ms Gathogo, a first time MP, has declared that she will defend her seat tooth and nail and has warned competitors of a bruising battle.
The three have been criss-crossing the county in vigorous campaigns giving the impression elections are imminent.
Their supporters have been clashing in the constituency, including at churches.
Mr Mwaura on Thursday announced that he had ditched ODM and joined President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party to give his aspirations a better chance as the region is the President’s home turf.
The MP has been hosting and attending and sponsoring forums for youth and women as well as assisting residents.
Mr King'ara will be making a second attempt, having come second to Ms Gathogo in the last election.
The businessman vied on a Saba Saba Asili party ticket while Ms Gathogo ran under The National Alliance banner.
Mr King'ara has joined TNA as a gold member with a Sh100,000 membership subscription.
Since the last election, he has been taking part in local affairs through his King'ara Foundation which supports needy children.
“The reason I lost in 2013 was because I was in the wrong party but I have corrected that. I am ready to face my rivals without fear because I am determined to represent Ruiru,” he said.
He lamented the constant political violence, saying it was bad for the constituency’s image.
Ms Gathogo has intensified her onslaught on social media as she seeks to maintain her influence among the youth and women who are the majority voters in the densely populated constituency.
She has launched her campaign team known as “Team Esther”.
On her Facebook page she posted: “I am bringing together my team ahead of the General Election. Would you like to work with us ahead of the elections 2017? We are positioning ourselves and bringing together supporters on the ground and on social media. Do not be left out.”
