Subukia legislator Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie gears up for tough contest in bid to win third term

Subukia MP Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie, whose third name, when loosely translated in Kikuyu, means ‘sharpened’, faces a major battle to retain the seat for a third term.

Unlike in the past two elections, when he defeated his opponents hands-down, this time around, things appear not as easy.

Aspirants out to unseat him are Mr Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe, Mr Paul Gagi Githere, Mr Stephen Mbogo Kariuki, Mr Simon Ngugi Muigai, Mr Elizaphani Kimuya and Mr George Murimi.

The battle for Subukia revolves around several issues: Education, youth and women support programmes, access to market for local farmers, infrastructure and water.

The area has recorded crop failure for the last three years, undermining agricultural productivity.

Interestingly, at least five dams have been constructed to help supply water to the residents.

EXUDES CONFIDENCE

Speaking to the Nation, Mr Gaichuhie exudes confidence he would retain the seat he first won in 2007 on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket and successfully defended in 2013 on a TNA ticket. He is seeking Jubilee ticket in Wednesday’s nominations to defend the seat.

“I know I have competitors, but I am confident my constituents are going to vote for me. I want them to judge me on my development record,” said Mr Gaichuhie on Tuesday.

He added: “I wish to urge them (voters) to come out in large numbers and vote for me since, compared with the rest of my rivals, I am the person closest to them.”

He criticises his opponents, saying they lack a clear roadmap to transform the constituency.

“They are just peddling lies in a bid to win the seat. I have fulfilled my election pledges including construction of dams, improving dilapidated infrastructure, education standards and empowering the youth,” he says.

TERTIARY INSTITUTION

Some critics argue that Subukia has no single tertiary institution, lacks recreational facilities such as a stadium where youth could exploit their sporting talents.

Mr Gachobe is wooing voters on a platform of youth empowerment.

“My vision is to organise the youths in Subukia to register companies. I intend to ensure that half of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects target the youth to empower them,” said Mr Gachobe.

Mr Mbogo, 47, popularly known as ‘Mbogo wa Mbogoine,’ says he has an elaborate plan to empower the youth and eradicate poverty.

“I have identified the major problems in Subukia as lack of water, poor and outdated farming technologies. Through organised Saccos and the proposed 10 megawatt biomass plant, the poverty problem will be adequately dealth with,” said Mr Mbogo.

Mr Githere is optimistic of turning the tables on his rivals, not only at Wednesday’s primaries but also the August 8 General Election.

STALLED WATER PROJECTS

Top of his agenda, he adds, is to revive stalled water projects, youth empowerment and improvement of infrastructure and education.

Mr Muigai, 49, the managing director of a Nairobi-based real estate firm Fortcom, says one of his top priorities is rehabilitation of dams in the region.

“A huge chunk of Subukia is semi-arid. I will push for the establishment of a kitty to cushion the residents living in such harsh conditions,” he says.

Educationist Elizaphani Kimuya, 47, another aspirant, says top on his priority list is the improvement of sporting facilities and education.

“I will strive to make sure there is a fair distribution of resources in the constituency,” said Mr Kimuya who is the executive director of Thika Royal College.

NEXT MP
Mr George Murimi hopes to convince the residents to give him an opportunity to be their next MP.

But responding to his rivals’ claims, Mr Gaichuhie listed his key achievements, saying he would take them to another level if he is re-elected.

He said the youth and women have been targeted through Uwezo and Youth Funds, enabling them to start business and earn a livelihood.

“We have so many youth programmes. I do not misuse the youth. I tell them the reality and I am close to them more than any of my opponents,” the MP said.

Several vocational training institutions have been set up with one upgraded to Subukia Institute of Science and Technology, to give the youth necessary skills, he added.