Mathare by-election candidates step up campaigns

NAIROBI COUNTY: Candidates for the Mathare constituency by-election said the delay to hold the polls had not dampened their resolve as they kept up campaigns.

The National Alliance (TNA) candidate George Wanjohi, however, said postponing the poll earlier scheduled for August 7 to August 11 had interfered with logistics and escalated cost, adding that this is likely to complicate his campaigns.

"There is a general feeling in the ground that the change of date could make the voters start losing hope," he said.

Speaking to The Standard on phone Monday, Wanjohi said this was the deciding week for all the candidates to endear themselves to the voters ahead of the mini-poll. ODM candidate Stephen Kariuki said the postponement will not dent his ambition to represent Mathare residents.

"We have mobilised our supporters and they know who they will vote for. As CORD, we will continue with our campaign and make sure we win with a landslide," said Kariuki who filed the petition that led to the nullification of Wanjohi's election.

On Monday High Court Judge Mumbi Ngugi dismissed Former Youth Fund chairman Gor Semelango's application to have his name included in the ballot papers for the Mathare by-election slated for Monday next week.

"The leadership both at the National and grassroots level of the party will pitch tent this week to rally supporters behind Wanjohi. We are not leaving anything to chance," said TNA Secretary Onyango Oloo.

He said it is expensive for the candidates even if the date is postponed by a day.

"It is Semelango's constitutional right to seek justice at the court. It is our wish that this issue is brought to an end in the soonest time possible," said Oloo.