CORD and Jubilee candidates cleared to contest in Malindi polls

The two main coalitions yesterday staged massive road shows as the hunt for votes in Malindi officially began.

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula campaigned for ODM candidate Willy Mtengo in the rural parts of the constituency. Their Jubilee counterparts led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale criss-crossed Malindi town campaigning for their candidate, Philip Charo.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared 10 people to contest the parliamentary seat that was left vacant after Dan Kazungu was appointed to the Cabinet.

Mr Raila and Mr Wetang’ula arrived in Malindi on Saturday and were joined by Mr Kalonzo yesterday. Mr Duale arrived in Malindi yesterday with a huge Jubilee entourage.

ODM rebel MPs led by Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro defied threats from their coalition principals and accompanied Jubilee candidate Philip Charo to present his nomination papers.

“We don’t recognise the ODM party officials. They were never elected and we will not honour any summons from them. Let them submit the names to Parliament so that we can be removed from committees,” Mr Mung’aro said.

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The lawmakers said they will not be forced to support Mr Mtengo.

“Did they (ODM officials) involve us in picking the party candidate? The candidate was picked by Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and the party wants to push him down our throats. That is why we will support Philip Charo regardless of the party,” said Kilifi South MP Mustafa Idd.

On Sunday CORD leaders said the Opposition coalition will present to Parliament the names of Coast legislators perceived to be supporting Jubilee to be removed from parliamentary committees.  Mr Duale and the other Jubilee leaders from the Coast traversed the cosmopolitan Shella and Malindi wards to woo voters. According to IEBC the two urban wards have 170,336 votes and 16,803 voters respectively.

“We believe in free, fair and peaceful elections. We will campaign with a lot of humility. We won’t abuse anyone and our campaign will be development-based,” Duale said.

Raila, Wetang’ula and Kalonzo, concentrated in rural areas of Ganda, Kakuyuni and Jilore on the outskirts on Malindi town. IEBC databases indicate that Ganda ward has 9,666 votes, Jilore 6,348 votes and Kakuyuni has 4,958 votes. The three wards were toured by President Uhuru Kenyatta in mid-January and are perceived to be the stronghold of the ODM rebels as they are dominated by the mijikenda community.

Yesterday it was not clear why ODM cancelled a rally scheduled to be held at Lango Baya, the backyard of Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu.

Raila, Wetang’ula and Kalonzo did not accompany Mtengo to present his nomination papers. Mtengo presented his papers some minutes after 8am and was cleared to contest. He was accompanied by governors Hassan Joho and  Amason Kingi.

He was later followed by Labour Party’s Attas Sheriff who was also cleared to run. Charo who was accompanied by hundreds of his supporters and 10 legislatures include three ODM rebels was cleared at 11.47am.

Other candidates who presented their nomination papers to the IEBC yesterday are David Mangi of Shirikisho Party and Nelson Gunga of the Federal Party of Kenya. Today Reuben Katana of Kadu Asili, Farhan Mohamed of Maendeleo Democratic Party and Peter Ponda of Chama Cha Uzalenda will present their nomination papers. Kanu will support Labour Party candidate Attas.