Race for Nyeri woman rep seat starts with war of words between rivals
A war of words has erupted between two contestants for the Nyeri woman rep seat, Jubilee's Rahab Mukami Wachira (left) and incumbent Priscilla Nyokabi who is running as an independent candidate. PHOTOS | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The Nairobi businesswoman is making her second attempt for the seat after losing to Ms Nyokabi in 2013.
- Ms Nyokabi is defending the seat as independent candidate.
- She describes herself as a patriotic, hardworking Kenyan and a visionary leader.
The battle for Nyeri woman representative’s seat has kicked off with war of words between the incumbent Priscilla Nyokabi and her rival Rahab Mukami Wachira.
Immediately after clearance by the electoral commission, Ms Wachira, who is vying on a Jubilee Party ticket, welcomed Ms Nyokabi for “another political beating” after she trounced her during the primaries.
The Nairobi businesswoman is making her second attempt for the seat after losing to Ms Nyokabi in 2013.
Ms Nyokabi is defending the seat as independent candidate and has been protesting that she was unfairly edged out during the Jubilee nominations.
PRIMARY POLL
She said the primary poll was shambolic and the outcome did not reflect the will of the voters, adding that she was rigged out by unnamed forces who want to push her out of politics.
Speaking outside IFAD hall after Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gave her a nod to vie for the position, Ms Wachira denied reports of collecting and swindling money from local women.
The reports were raised by Ms Nyokabi during an interview on a vernacular TV station.
She claimed that Ms Wachira had demanded and collected Sh500 from various women ahead of an event which was graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016.
PROPAGANDA
In response, Ms Wachira termed the reports as untrue and meant to malign her name.
“Propaganda is very high and my competitors are capitalising on trivial matters. Others are spreading reports that I am married in Kiambu. My husband is from Mukurweini, although being married in a different county is no offence and a non-issue because. Even Kiambu is Kenya,” Ms Wachira said.
She also dismissed reports of ditching Jubilee for Maendeleo Chap Chap.
“I am a Jubilee member and the confusing reports will not sway voters. I am welcoming my rivals for a competition on policies not false personalisation,” said Ms Wachira.
HARDWORKING
On the other hand, Ms Nyokabi, who is a High Court advocate, describes herself as a patriotic, hardworking Kenyan and a visionary leader.
She refuted claims of spreading propaganda against her rival saying she is just engaging in real issues that will change locals’ livelihoods.
She also poured cold water on Ms Wachira’s confidence of winning during the August election.
“I have been active in parliament and also on the ground. I have a development record on issues of healthcare, water and affirmative action. It was due to my efforts that the fund was created,” she said.
“There is no propaganda. It is a campaign of hard work,” she added.
Others in the race are Cecilia Ndung’u of Party of National Unity (PNU) and Jane Mwathe of Maendeleo Chap Chap who are making their first attempts for the political seat.
