Nine candidates lined up for Kabete parliamentary by-election

Kabete will get a new legislator Monday, to replace George Muchai who was killed by gunmen on February 7. (Photo:File/Standard)

Kabete residents go to the polls Monday to elect their new MP in what could significantly alter the political landscape of the populous Kiambu County.

Although the by-election was expected to draw some heat following the entry of former Embakasi MP Ferdinard Waititu to the race, the campaigns have been a pretty low-key affair.

All the nine candidates resorted to door-to-door campaigns as opposed to public rallies.

Curiously, the by-election did not draw in the President and Deputy President in the official three-week campaign period, unlike the previous Kajiado Central by-election in which they vigorously campaigned for the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) candidate Patrick ole Tutui who eventually lost to the ODM’s Elijah Memusi.  The President’s handlers have publicly stated that Uhuru Kenyatta will be seeking his second term using the JAP vehicle rather than the corporate Jubilee party with which he secured the presidency in 2013. This is why Waititu’s candidacy is particularly significant — he will be the first JAP legislator if he wins.

Waititu, initially dismissed as an outsider, won the JAP ticket with relative ease. Besides Waititu, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared Isaiah Ndirangu (PDU), John Wamagata (Safina), Kavore Kariuki (Narc Kenya), Newton Njenga (National Vision Party), Wilson Karanja (Orange Democratic Movement), George Mungai (Independent), Paul Kariuki (PPK), Moses Wachaga (Independent) and Kiriro wa Ngugi (DP) to vie.

Waititu easily scooped the much sought after JAP ticket,  rebuffing claims that he was an outsider  and repeatedly stated that  his grandparents were from Karura Kanyungu, which is in the constituency. However, the seasoned politician who has dominated Nairobi politics, met resistance from Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, who faulted Kabete residents for backing him to win the JAP ticket.

The constituency  is considered a Jubilee and JAP stronghold, which may work in Waititu’s favour.  The former Embakasi MP has made it clear he intends to hold the Kabete seat for remaining three years and then contest the Kiambu governorship in 2017. The seat is currently held by  Kabogo.

Broke protocol

Political pundits say all indication are that Waititu will win. When Uhuru visited in Juja recently, he introduced Waititu to residents, cryptically stating that the latter was seeking to go back to Parliament. The President then handed the microphone to Waititu. This was seen as Waititu’s endorsement for the Kabete seat, especially because it was seen as a breach of protocol . . . traditionally no one else addresses a crowd after the President has began his address.  Before this gesture,   Waititu had been denied chance to address the crowd  at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

 Despite this perceived endorsement, other are carrying on with their campaigns wearing a brave face. John Wamagata, who is vying on a Safina ticket, said he was undaunted. “The people of Kabete should expect surprises on Monday evening,” Wamagata told the The Standard on Sunday.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD)   has also fielded  Wilson Karanja who said he was counting on the younger constituents to vote for him.

 “I have gone round the constituency meeting mostly with groups of young people, although I am not ignoring the older generation. I’m optimistic I will be a force to reckon with,” said Karanja.

Kiriro wa Ngugi of Democratic Party took issue with Waititu’s candidature on account of a case he faces in court. He was referring to a case which had been taken to High Court in Nairobi by Benson Ritho alleging that Waititu defrauded him of 50 acres piece of land in Embakasi.

“Some aspirants should not be in the race due to integrity issues,” said Kiriro.

 Kiriro asked the people of Kabete  to vote wisely.

The by-election was called following the death of former MP George Muchai who was shot by gunmen in Nairobi in February.