By James Omoro
Parliamentary aspirants in Ndhiwa are back to the drawing board following the entry of former MP Orwa Ojode’s widow into the race.
Campaigns in the constituency took a different turn when Mary Ojode launched her bid last week, promising to complete projects Ojode started. Ojode died in a plane crash together with former Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and four others on June 10. The former Ndhiwa MP died while on the way to a fund raising, alongside the guest of honour for the function in his constituency.
Since her husband’s death, Mrs Ojode has kept her cards close to her chest, perhaps laying groundwork ahead of the epic duel.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set September 17 for the by-elections in Ndhiwa, Kajiado North and Kangema constituencies.
This means whoever wins shall be in Parliament just for about three months before the election set for March 4, next year. Life of the current Parliament expires on January 15.
Intense campaigns
Mrs Ojode’s entry into the race has stirred the ground as the more than 20 aspirants angling for the seat intensify campaigns to win voters’ favour, to represent them for three months.
While addressing constituents in Ndhiwa town, Mrs Ojode said she would fit well in her late husband’s shoes and that she would transform their lives and initiate projects.
“I have a clear understanding of the needs of Ndhiwa people, and shall take over from where my late husband left. I do not need any orientation to understand the constituency and ongoing projects,” she told The Standard.
She has traversed the vast constituency, including the vote-rich Kwabwai and Kabuoch in Ndhiwa, and Riana divisions to drum up support for her bid. She is betting on massive support from Kwabwai, Ojode’s clan, and Kabuoch where the late MP’s mother was born.
