Moses Kuria boosted by defection from rival camp

TNA's Moses Kuria (left) and Mr Joachim Kamere of the New Democrats Party. The two men are contesting the Gatundu South parliamentary seat in a by-election to be held on August 7, 2014. There have been defections of supporters from each candidate's camp. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION

What you need to know:

  • The defectors claimed they realised Mr Kuria was headed for victory.
  • A week ago, Kuria's key campaigner Mr George Koimburi switched camps to his rival Mr Joachim Kamere.
  • Mr Kuria accused his opponents of indulging in false propaganda to sway voters.
  • Mr Kamere dismissed the defection as “stage-managed.”

The National Alliance candidate for the Gatundu South parliamentary seat, Moses Kuria, got a boost when 15 supporters of his opponent defected to his camp.

The defectors, led by Peter Kung’u, claimed they made the move after realising Mr Kuria was headed for victory in the August 7 by-election.

This comes barely a week after Mr Kuria's key campaigner, Mr George Koimburi, switched camps to his rival Mr Joachim Kamere of the New Democrats Party.

However, Mr Kamere dismissed the defection as “stage-managed” and said it would have no impact on his campaign.

FALSE PROPAGANDA

“As far as I am concerned, these people are Kuria’s supporters,” he said by phone.

While receiving the defectors, Mr Kuria accused his opponents of indulging in propaganda to sway voters.

“The fog of propaganda can only serve to obstruct and falsify the real issues facing Gatundu South constituents, which are education, provision of quality health care and youth unemployment,” he said.

Prior to Mr Koimburi’s defection, about 200 members of the Gatundu Council of Elders met at Kimunyu centre and endorsed Mr Kamere.

The seat fell vacant following the death of Mr Joseph Ngugi on May 21, 2014.