In a predictable twist of fate, Orange Democratic Movement of Kenya (ODM-K) finally split as Kalonzo and Raila, the two larger than life luminaries, finally parted ways today.
After hassling for the control of ODM-K, Raila finally managed to secure Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from the hands of lawyer Mugambi Imanyara who has been holding it since it was registered shortly after the 2005 referendum.This leaves Kalonzo and his registered ODM-K allies to control the party whose symbol is an orange inside the map of Kenya. ODM's symbol is an Orange. Kalonzo was away in Machakos for a rally as this happened in Nairobi.
ODM-K's defacto leaders Chairman Henry Kosgey, Secretary General Prof Anyang Nyongo and treasurer Omingo Magara ahve been battling with the dejure registered officials led by lawyer Maanzo as chairman and Abraham Chepkonga as secretary general. The former are allied to Raila Odinga and the latter to Kalonzo Musyoka. Maanzo and his group were registered after street protests to compel the registrar of societies to register ODM-K after its leaders were told that ODM had already been registered by the Manyara group. For fear of inter-party acrimony and to dupe the government ODM-K was entrusted to a party official, a driver and a secretary to the ODM-K office administrator Janet Ongare.
Now its wait and see to see how the two ODM's will appeal the Kenyan voters and distinctly brand themselves.
But as Raila said, Kenya may be headed for a two-horse race between Raila and the incumbent Kibaki. All will wait and see how Kalonzo will manage to become competitive without the Raila ointment. Power sharing within ODM will be easier with a proposed deal going through. The deal has Raila as president, Musalia Mudavadi as VP, Ruto as PM, Ngilu as deputy PM, Balala and Nyaga as Deputy VP. Kalonzo will have to grope for an alliance with Uhuru which will not have much impact unless it leans towards having a coalition with Kibaki or he just eats humble pie and go back to ODM and dine with Raila as a Foreign Affairs Minister.
ODM-Kenya breaks as Raila and Kalonzo part ways
Kitutu Masaba Constituency: Row on new district may spill over
Kitutu Masaba, which was made famous by firebrand politician George Anyona, will be one of the hotly contested parliamentary seats in Kisii.
It has attracted 20 hopefuls, the highest number in the region, with more still expected to join the race.
The constituency falls under the newly-created Masaba District, whose headquarters has become an emotive issue.
The constituency has two divisions – Manga and Rigoma. Residents of Manga wanted the headquarters to be at Manga while the area MP, Mr Mwancha Okioma, of Ford People, wants it at Keroka in Rigoma Division, where he comes from. The Manga residents have moved to court.
Mr Okioma, a first-term MP, rode to Parliament on the Ford-P wave that swept across Kisii when Roads and Public Works minister Simeon Nyachae was the party’s presidential candidate in 2002.
Currently, the leading parties in the area are Ford-P and ODM Kenya.
Two of the MP’s main opponents – Mr Timothy Bosire and Mr Walter Nyambati – are eyeing the ODM-K ticket. Mr Bosire, a former senior economist in the ministry of Planning, is a close associate of Lang’ata MP Raila Odinga while Mr Nyambati, a senior manager at Kenindia Insurance, is allied to Mwingi North MP Kalonzo Musyoka.
Another candidate seeking ODM-K ticket is a former Permanent Secretary Zachary Ogongo who is also allied to Mr Musyoka.
Mr Bosire has contributed immensely to development projects in the constituency. But his opponents accuse him of concentrating on national politics at the expense of the constituency. He accompanies Mr Odinga wherever he goes.
Mr Bosire, who is contesting the seat for a third time, may give Mr Okioma a run for his money.
Mr Okioma will also face opposition within Ford-P from youthful Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology lecturer Abel Matoke and Mr Nyameino Atuti, an employee of
Narc
Dr Ochoki, who runs Baraka Nursing Home, recently retired from the civil service. He has been campaigning for the Government’s takeover of the Kenya Tea Development Agency and was involved in the establishment of Gesure, Bogwendo health centres.
Mr Matoke, 31, worked at the Ford-P secretariat and is a former coordinator of Youth Agenda in Kisii.
He comes from the current MP’s area and has been involved in youth empowerment programmes in the constituency.
Mr Nyambati is contesting for the fourth time and says he is confident he will clinch the seat this time. He is credited with several projects in the constituency.
A new entrant who might spring a surprise is Mr Fred Ombui Machana, formerly based in the
He also launched the Machana Education Foundation, which sponsors three secondary school students from each zone.
Another strong contender who is making his debut in politics is Mr Meshack Ngare, a tax consultant. He is also rich and capable of financing a high-profile campaign but he is yet to identify his party.
Another new entrant is Mr Bill Onwong’a who comes from Mr Okioma’s Abatabori clan. He is likely to complicate matters for the MP who is being accused of introducing clan politics.
Others in the race are lawyer Shadrack Mose, Nyamira Kenya National Union of Teachers secretary Richard Kibagendi, Mr Thaddeus Matara, Mr Ezekiel Angwenyi, and Mr Humphrey Mayaka.
Mr Okioma’s opponents claim the CDF and bursary committees consist of his cronies and that students from rich families benefit from the bursaries at the expense of the poor.
Other issues likely to feature in the campaigns include roads, electricity, water, unemployment, poverty, education and low earnings from coffee and tea.
Nearly all the aspirants have been involved in development projects in the vast constituency.
If clan politics come into play, it will divide the constituency and Mr Okioma may be handed a lifeline.
Kanduyi Constituency: Over a dozen rivals against Wamunyinyi
Kanduyi, represented by Mr Wafula Wamunyinyi, is among constituencies in the entire Bungoma region where a vocabulary reminiscent of the 1992 multi-party elections is gaining currency — Change.
The list of candidates has topped 13 aspirants lining up to challenge him in the December poll.
And every candidate is walking around the constituency emphasising the message “babandu benya chenji” (people want change).
Candidates in Bungoma used to campaign in the past only to ensure that they get the Ford Kenya party ticket as an automatic vehicle to Parliament.
It is different strokes this time round.
Voters have become wiser and are rooting for candidates with credentials, who are likely to perform better than previous representatives at the local and national levels.
The seriousness was demonstrated on August 6 when Ford-K delegates from the constituency resolved that ordinary members of the party directly participate in the nomination of the parliamentary candidate. The party’s choice will then battle it out with candidates from other competing parties .
Now, Mr Wamunyinyi will initially fight for the party ticket with businessman Wafula Maelo, former intelligence spy Ben Wanyonyi and ex-Israeli trained commando Paul Sichangi Makhanu
Introduce thuggery
Mr Makhanu is former State House security operative during the Moi regime.
He is a late entrant in the race, who has vowed that he has what it takes to counter any moves to introduce thuggery by some of his rivals.
He is campaigning in the constituency warning people that he will counter any violence in a bid to win the seat.
“Kanduyi is not a reserved seat, and our people have the right to elect who they want,” he said.
Mr Wamunyinyi made his debut in 1997 through Ford
He was to be swept back by the Narc euphoria easily in 2002, beating Mr Alfred Khang’ati of Ford People and Mr Emmanuel Tiboti of Kanu.
Political temperatures are already high following recent claims by Mr Maelo that some Ford Kenya politicians were planning to unleash terror during the campaign period.
He even suggested that this will happen in the entire Bungoma region using “youths who have been undergoing military training in a neighbouring country”.
He was prevailed upon to write a statement at the Bungoma police station by security chiefs, but he never withdrew the remarks, which have been a subject of police investigation since.
Mr Wamunyinyi’s voters in the traditional strongholds of Kibabii, Bukembe, the Township and
He will have to fight tooth and nail to regain the foothold he had in the past.
Mr Maelo is counting on the populous Balunda clan in Bukembe and
This alone, plus the shifting of alignments in the municipality, could be a serious threat to Mr Wamunyinyi’s survival.
That aside, Mr Makhanu, who hails from Kongoli near Nzoia Sugar Company, will draw away crucial votes from the Batecho clan as will Mr Wanyonyi, who is out to exploit support from his paternal Bakunga clan and maternal Balunda clan too.
After Mr Wamunyinyi sorts out the Ford-K ticket, then he will have to contend with stiff opposition from three other key aspirants. One of them is his own brother-in-law Juma Mukhwana, who is the Kanduyi Narc-Kenya chairman.
He has gone flat out to deny him votes from his traditional base in Kibabii location.
Mr Mukhwana says he joined Narc-K because he did not want to miss the boat.
Is also controversial
Although he is being seen as an outsider by virtue of his roots in neighbouring Sirisia, he counters it saying he was born at Kibabii.
The Government’s plan to start construction of the Sh1.74 billion
But it is also controversial given that the first batch of trainees, expected to be admitted next month, will be hosted at the Family Life Training Centre at Tuuti.
It is at this same centre where Sacred Africa and
Mr Mukhwana and his supporters pointed accusing fingers at the MP.
Nonetheless, he will fight for the Narc Kenya party with the Law Society of Kenya Bungoma chapter chairman John Makali.
Mr Makali says: “I am firmly in the race and stand by my earlier resolution that time for change in Kanduyi has come.”
The eloquent lawyer, who enjoys support within Bungoma municipality, will be also counting on support from the Balukuru and Bameme clans where his parents come from.
The cosmopolitan nature of the municipality may see each of the candidates earn a slice of the huge vote.
Mr Mukania, who missed going to Parliament in 1997 by a whisker, is also chasing the Narc-K ticket.
He was elbowed out from the Nzoia Outgrowers Company (Noco) where he was general manager and went to business.
He will be counting on the sympathy support of cane growers from around his Bukembe home and the Batecho clan vote, which he will share with Mr Wanyonyi.
The secretary general of the Kenya Union of Civil Servants, Mr Khang’ati, whom Mr Wamunyinyi beat, is a late entry into the race.
Mr Khang’ati, who had earlier on indicated he was shifting his political base to
The unionist is reported to be eyeing the ODM Kenya ticket that is also being contested by former Nzoia Sugar Company managing director Francis Wabuke .
Kanduyi, where the sugar factory is located, is a major cane growing zone whose farmers suffered greatly for a five-year spell when company management was unable to make prompt payments for cane deliveries.
Recent appointments of people thought to be MPs’ friends to Nzoia Sugar board, the dominance of so called outsiders in employment in the firm, besides the control of lucrative supplies contracts by a select group, will be hot campaign issues.
Successful crusade
The recent successful crusade against the Nzoia CEO and his replacement is just a pointer to things to come. It was spearheaded by farmers and Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation Workers.
Failure by the Government to revive the Kitinda dairy plant in
Besides, watchers are keen to know the fate of the planned upgrading of the Sang’alo Institute of Science and Technology into a constituent college of the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) that seems to have stalled.
What is more, the local business community’s demand improved infrastructure, better roads, electricity supply have fallen on deaf ears.
The manner in which election of Ford
Aspiring parliamentary candidates eager to challenge the MP were locked out of the party and consequently left to find new vehicles for their campaigns.
The defectors
Although Mr Kombo asked those who left to return, none among the defectors has returned.
Other aspirants in the race are Mr Wanyonyi Waswa, Mr Mulunda Khaoya, the son to a former MP Joseph Khaoya and Mr Geoffrey Njukhilile.
Mr Francis Waswa Mungo, the executive officer of Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association, who hails from Kibabii, has also joined the race on a Kaddu ticket.
Another late entrant is the chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Mr Fredrick Nyongesa Chirure.
Mr Chirure is also a resident of Kibabii location.
He will be seeking the ODM-K ticket, which is also being sought by a former MP Lawrence Sifuna.
The former fiery MP will be counting on votes from Bamutilu clan.
Ndaragwa Constituency: Reactivated DP complicates matters for Gachara's bid
The revamped Democratic Party has taken the first step to assert itself in the constituency by adopting the old Kanu style of dealing with opponents.
The party has deleted the name of MP Muchiri Gachara from the roll of life members. Expelling what is considered to be errant members is a move that was known to only Kanu of the late 1980s.
The punishment follows Mr Gachara’s perceived defection to Narc
However, Ndaragwa DP branch chairman Stephen Muthee explained that Mr Gachara’s membership was cancelled for his failure to remit monthly contribution to DP headquarters.
Mr Gachara was named the Narc-K branch chairman in the recent grassroots elections.
The re-emergence of DP as a formidable force in the area has thrown the MP and the civic leaders in disarray.
Earlier, it was hoped that Narc-K, which was perceived to be the party on whose ticket President Kibaki would seek re-election, was the only force in Mt
President-friendly
But the President has kept everyone guessing, and so far there is no clear sign that he will choose Narc-K.
This has caused panic in the region, including Ndaragwa where politicians who think the sitting MP might deny them the Narc-K ticket are flocking to DP, which is also friendly to the President.
The latest development means that Mr Gachara, who could be assured of the Narc-K ticket, will certainly face an opponent from DP.
DP has dominated the local politics since the advent of multipartyism in 1992 when Mr Kibaki quit Kanu to found it. He used it as his vehicle to contest the presidency in 1992 and 1997.
Ndaragwa, being a settlement area, has a large number of people who originate from Nyeri District, and have in most cases named their farms and societies after their home areas.
With the emergence of Narc-K in five recent by-elections — one in
They thought at the time that President Kibaki, who even campaigned for Nakuru Town Narc-K candidate William Kariuki, had shown them the way to go.
Mr Gachara went full throttle during the recent grassroots elections, going from door to door campaigning which enabled him and his supporters to clinch all the seats in the local Narc-K branch.
He and other parliamentary hopefuls participated in the polls that saw him gang up with some colleagues to defeat his sole rival for the chairmanship, Mr George Kigunyi.
Aspirant Faith Gitau was elected treasurer, while Mr Nguyo Muteru as well as former MPs Thirikwa Kamau and Kimondo Wagura became delegates.
It was surprising that Ms Gitau and Mr Kamau, who had even paid for this year’s DP membership, went to Narc-K.
Mr Muthee promptly moved to revamp DP and launched his bid for the seat.
He is of the view that Ndaragua people need a leader who will mobilise them to come together and seek local solutions to the residents’ problems.
He laments that poor infrastructure has adversely affected the area.
The constituency is semi-arid and elephants continue to wreak havoc in the agriculturally rich Shamata and Raichiri areas.
New faces are Mr John Kioni, who is yet to declare his party, lawyer Njeri Kiagayo, Mr Francis Nderitu and Mr Erastus Ngunguro Kibuka, a former lecturer at
Road network
Mr Kibuka has been moving around the constituency to popularise his candidacy.
The Ndaragwa residents would like to elect a leader who will improve the deplorable road network that has made them incur losses running into millions of shillings due to spoilt farm produce which does not reach the market on time.
Matatus plying the Shamata-Mairo- Inya-Nyahururu road were grounded recently after heavy rains made the roads impassable.
Mr Nderitu accuses the local constituency development fund management team of doing nothing to help the Kimaru and Kwa Njora special units for the physically and mentally handicapped children.
The units, he says, are yet to get help from the Government and rely on well-wishers for food and other basic necessities.
Mr Nderitu, a former provincial cooperative officer and one-time director of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries, is yet to declare his party, but he is looking forward to seeking the ticket of a party that will sponsor President Kibaki re-election bid.
Mr Gachara has visited
The CDF committee has spent Sh250,000 on a kitchen block at Kwa Njora and has pledged another Sh400,000 for a dining hall.
While in the past DP nominations determined who would be MP or councillor, this year’s contests for Narc-K and DP tickets will be merely a dress rehearsal for the General Election proper.
Webuye Constituency: Cane growing main issue as Kombo seeks another term
Campaigns in the constituency are intensifying as the incumbent, Local Government minister Musikari Kombo, contemplates joining the presidential race.
And violence has set in as his possible rivals’ supporters clash. Mr Kombo, the Ford Kenya chairman, has often said he in the presidential race, although his actions of late do not show it.
And the fact that he, unlike politicians in other parties, is yet to launch his vision for the top job further strengthens the people’s doubts about his intentions.
Kenyans in general and the people of Webuye in particular are waiting anxiously for the minister to state categorically that, indeed, he will go for the top seat.
Curiously, his close confidants in Ford
This development has left Mr Kombo’s supporters confused over whether or not he will go for the presidency.
In his Webuye home turf, the minister’s campaign ship is cruising in turbulent waters, with nine possible candidates — eight men and a woman — lined up to try to oust him.
Some 7,177 voters were added to the roll to bring the tally to 82,621 that are expected to participate in the election.
Mr Kombo is assured of the Ford-K ticket since none of his rivals has expressed interest to challenge him from within the party he chairs.
Perhaps they have silently acknowledged a remark he is said to have made some time ago to the effect that he could not sign his own way out of Parliament by missing the party ticket.
As chairman, Mr Kombo is the man who clears party candidates.
In Webuye and indeed the entire Bungoma district, the minister has won praise for fighting hard to create new districts.
His Bungoma East district is made up of Webuye and Ndivisi divisions with, headquarters at the town.
Another feather in his cap is having presided over the recarpetting last year of roads in Webuye town at a cost of Sh125 million. He was also instrumental in the establishment of a medical training centre in the town with money from the Constituency Development Fund.
But his critics accuse him of having, in his capacity as Cabinet minister, failed to generate resources to develop infrastructure in Western province and to have local people appointed to plum jobs in the public service.
Mr Kombo has been MP since 1992, except for a brief period between 1995 and 1997 after being found guilty of an election offence for oathing known as khulia silulu.
In 2002, he trounced arch-rivals Alfred Wekesa Sambu and Joash Wamang’oli.
Mr Sambu, who claims to have been rigged out at the Narc nomination stage in favour of Mr Kombo, is back in the race, having been elected the local Narc
He vows to eclipse his long-time nemesis this time round.
Mr Sambu has been contesting the seat and losing to either Mr Wamang’oli, Mr Kombo or Mr Saulo Busolo since 1988.
To confirm his candidacy, Mr Wamang’oli, who has been out of Parliament since 1992, says: “I am running but I have yet to make up my mind on which party ticket although I am still technically in Kanu.
“In fact, it is only I and Mr Kombo who are serious contenders.”
But Mr Sambu, a former Kenya Football Federation chairman, is expected to pose quite a formidable challenge for Mr Kombo.
His supporters, the Tachoni of Ndivisi location, have joined Narc-K in droves.
Mr Sambu is widely expected to outshine Mr Mike Chetekei who will be challenging him for the Narc-K ticket.
Mr Busolo, the Kenya Sugar Board chairman who served as MP between 1995 and 1997, is said to be also in the race.
He has the support of elders and academics in the Nzoia sugar belt that he represents, especially after the management changes at Nzoia Sugar Company early this month.
Mr Busolo has yet to declare his party of choice, although he has been a regular visitor to cane growers’ meetings in the area since early this year.
So he is likely to garner quite a chunk of the vote in Bokoli where Mr Kombo also expects support.
This bloc and that of youths may also be eaten into by Mr Dan Wanyama who has also thrown his hat into the ring, and this may not be healthy for the minister.
Mr Wanyama, a key personality in the Kenya Volleyball Federation circles who is from Miendo told the Saturday Nation that he is definitely running on a Kaddu ticket.
Signs that Mr Kombo could face a difficult campaign began to manifest themselves last weekend when Mr Juma Remi was stabbed with a knife in a clash between his supporters and a group who shouted anti-Kombo slogans near Chebosi secondary school as his entourage headed for Bokoli.
Mr Remi was admitted to the Webuye district hospital, but the doctors said he was out of danger.
Violence also reared its ugly head a fortnight ago when Dr Kibanane Ngome, a
The incident happened shortly after he dismissed the minister’s bid for another term during a funeral at Nabuyole.
Dr Ngome, a fiery public speaker, was injured and treated at the provincial general hospital in Kakamega town. He has since been discharged, but still moves about on crutches.
He is yet to make public the party whose ticket he is seeking , but he says he is definitely in the race despite the setback.
Those battling for the ODM Kenya ticket are Ms Roselinda Simiyu, the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation Workers, and Mr Leonard Wakoli.
Bishop Peter Murunga of the
A week ago, the Rev Murunga hosted Mr Pattni in Webuye for a prayer session at
He accuses the incumbent of failing to offer what he terms focused leadership.
Mr Wafula Wanasi is another possible candidate on a Republican Party of Kenya ticket.
During the 2005 referendum campaigns, Mr Kombo helped to mobilise voters for the pro-government Banana side that enabled Webuye to get 22,231 votes against 6,068 for
Then, there was talk that he would be appointed Vice-President if the residents supported the constitution draft. Critics are now wondering why this did not happen.
When he temporarily rejected re-appointment to the reconstituted Cabinet after the referendum his star rose overnight.
But when he accepted it after his allies — Mr John Munyes, Mr Soita Shitanda, Dr Noah Wekesa and Mr Moses Akaranga — were made ministers, many people changed their minds almost as fast.
Grassroots polls
Then came the Ford Kenya grassroots elections at which most aspiring parliamentary candidates were locked out, further denting Mr Kombo’s image.
The party was labelled as a closed shop in which the sitting MPs already had nominations.
In Webuye, for instance, Mr Kombo’s cronies swept the board in the controversial elections, sparking defections to other parties, key among them Narc
It is highly likely that Ms Simiyu will take away most of the ODM Kenya support in
A planned retrenchment of workers at Nzoia Sugar Company, outsourcing and lack of job security there are also being blamed on the current political leadership of which the incumbent is part, as is the award of lucrative supply contracts.
Failure by the leaders to lobby for higher cane prices is also now in sharp focus as the farmers gripe that they are being exploited by the millers.
Promises made in 2002 to improve the marketing of agricultural produce, particularly potatoes and bananas, to eliminate exploitation by middlemen have yet to be fulfilled and the voters are waiting to pass their verdict.
Webuye hosts the Pan Africa Paper Mills factory set up in the early 1970s whose management is accused of environmental degradation through the pollution of air and water systems.
And the residents claim their MP has never strongly fought the menace. Poor working conditions is another issue. When he took over Ford
The number has since dwindled, with other MPs joining ranks with Mr Shitanda’s New Ford
Budalangi Constituency: New candidates change equation for MP
Two new entrants in the race for Budalangi parliamentary seat held by Water assistant minister Raphael Wanjala has changed the equation.
Candidates who have declared interest for the seat would have to go back to the drawing board after entry of Mr Raphael Namudi Wanyama and Mr George Okado.
And Mr Wanjala victory in an election petition filed by Mr Peter Onalo has boosted his fortunes and given him the greenlight to embark on re-election campaigns.
Sugar company
Mr Okado and Ms Cynthia Mutero Kwedho will be fighting for the Narc-K ticket though the party is yet to take root in the region.
Mr Wanyama is a former procurement manager at Mumias Sugar Company.
He will be facing his nephew,
But first, Mr Namwamba will have to fight for the ODM-K ticket with Mr John Osogo, son of former MP James Osogo.
Mr Wanyama who is yet to declare his political party, says he is still weighing his options.
His entry is eating into Mr Namwamba’s perceived stronghold.
He has been calling for proper use of constituency development funds and measures to prevent frequent floods in the area.
Mr Wanyama,58, worked with
He was redeployed to various ministries as a procurement officer after the organisation collapsed before he moved to Mumias.
Mr Wanjala enjoys substantial following but re-alignments among key political parties could change his fortunes.
ODM-Kenya and Narc-Kenya are yet to find equilibrium and Ford-Kenya which the assistant minister supports, is yet to get its footing in emerging alliances.
Mr Wanjala is likely to opt for a political group that is acceptable to his constituents.
Flower party
Mr Namwamba enjoys considerable support from young people but it is not clear if this will translate into votes come election day.
Ford-K has goodwill in the area due to wrangles in ODM-K and uncertainty in Narc-K. Even as the flower party competes with the
It widely held that President Kibaki defend his seat on Narc-K ticket but he has not made a personal declaration in support of the party, creating anxiety on its flag-bearer a few months to the polls.
On the other hand, wrangles in ODM-Kenya have derailed efforts to identify a presidential candidate.
Mr Wanjala’s party leader, Local Government minister Musikari Kombo declared he will be in contest for State House, but his support for President Kibaki sends mixed signals.
Mr Wanjala is popular for visiting the area frequently and addressing people’s problems.
Planned opening of Port Victoria market today by President Kibaki is expected to be major boost for him.
His style of politics, bringing together supporters of former MPs Mr Osogo and the late Peter Okondo has endeared him to people.
The assistant minister also claims he had started many CDF projects in the area to benefit his constituents.
Mr Namwamba is expected to be the minister’s key opponent due to support from ODM presidential candidates Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi who have visited the area and went around with him.
However, he has been accused of flying on the ODM principals’ wings.
Further, he has been criticised for ignoring elderly voters and of rarely visiting the region unless there are ODM rallies. However, the lawyer has been supporting farming activities at Bunyala irrigation scheme.
He has set up the Ababu Namwamba Foundation to sponsor less fortunate children access education.
Mr Osogo’s campaigns were slowed down when he lost his wife recently but he has returned making appearances.
His youthfulness endears him to youngsters, but he will have to convince voters that he is not riding on his family’s big name.
Ms Kwedho is a common face in Budalangi is believed to have the blessing of Narc-K secretary-general Dr Mukhisa Kituyi. “I believe I will be able to get that seat as women leaders understand issues that affect them and children very well,” she says.
Irrigation scheme
Poor road network in is set to among issues candidates will be raising.
That is why ongoing construction of 75 kilometres Bumala-Port -
In addition, the MP will stake claim to success of Bunyala irrigation scheme and booming fish industry. Improved health facilities, construction of more classes using CDF money may earn him support.
Mr Okado, a computer expert based in
However, development records, allocation of CDF money and choice of political parties will be among key determining issues for one’s victory.
Kandara Constituency: Freedom hero's son enters duel for Toro's seat
A son of former freedom hero Bildard Kaggia has joined the growing list of aspirants for the Kandara parliamentary seat occupied by Roads assistant minister Joshua Toro.
Mr Mwaganu wa Kaggia, 57, is the latest entry into the race for the seat which has attracted at least 14 people.
He hopes to ride on his father’s legendary name.
Senior Kaggia was among the Kapenguria Six pre-independence freedom fighters who were imprisoned with founding President Jomo Kenyatta.
Mr Achieng’ Oneko was the last of the six to die last May. Others were Mr Paul Ngei, Mr Kung’u Karumba and Mr Fred Kubai.
Party banned
Mr Kaggia represented Kandara between 1963 and 1966 when he differed with Mr Kenyatta and walked out of Kanu with the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to start the Kenya Peoples Union that was later banned.
He failed to re-capture the seat in the subsequent “little elections” on the KPU ticket which had become so unpopular in
Mr Kaggia retreated to the village where he operated a posho mill business.
Mr Mwaganu has just returned from the
Mr Mwaganu who has associated himself with human rights activities in the recent past, has the difficult task of trying to fit in his father’s shoes in the wake of stiff competition from Mr Toro.
He has been supporting orphaned children and building homes for the destitute and HIV/ Aids patients.
Many voters in Kandara feel that Mr Kaggia got a raw deal from both the Kenyatta and Moi regimes.
As a result, his eldest son’s entry into politics may elicit sympathy votes.
Although the Kibaki administration repaired his rural house and built a mausoleum for the freedom hero besides starting the tarmacking of an access road to his home, the family feels it was not enough compensation and that the gesture came too late in the day.
“I have been compelled to join politics as a way of offering transparent and just leadership and effectively tackle the myriad problems that continue to ravage the people of Kandara,” says Mr Mwaganu.
Agriculture, he adds, will be his main focus and blames dishonest leadership for the woes facing farmers particularly in the coffee sub-sector.
However, Mr Mwaganu’s debut into elective politics in Kandara could prove to be an uphill task.
Mr Toro is tactful politician who has been credited for various CDF projects.
Still, he will be fighting a crowd of other aspirants who had entered the race much earlier and are more familiar with the grassroots.
They rights advocate Alice Muthoni Wahome, retired
Others are retired banker Gakumo Warui, Mr Mburu Mwaura, an engineer, Thika-based advocate Kamau Mbiyu, Bishop Boniface Karechio and Ms Veronica Waithera.
Former area MP Gacuru wa Karenge who served between 1992 and 1997, is also fighting for a place in the next Parliament.
Also in the race is Mr William Mugo, a retired education officer who runs a number of private schools.
Ms Wahome entered the duel with a bang and pulled a surprise by winning the recent Narc-K elections, beating at least five opponents and the incumbent who, however, staged a parallel election.
Married in Nyeri
She has often shrugged off criticism about her being married in Nyeri.
She seems to be winning favour in her birth place but Mr Toro remains undisturbed by the onslaught he faces and is confident to retain the seat for the third time.
He claims credit for ongoing reconstruction and recarpeting of the Thika-Kandara-Githumu and Kabati-Kagundu-ini-Kariua roads.
He has initiated repair of roads in the constituency including Makenzi-Muruka-Kandara and Karugia-Ngurwe-ini-Kagira-Turuturu stretches.
All indications are that the MP has his act sewn up.
His ouster would require united opposition by his opponents but such a move is most unlikely.
Party politics will also play a part and whoever clinches either the Narc-K or Democratic Party — both friendly to Mr Kibaki–will compete favourably in the final leg.