Gatundu poll revives contest supremacy

Kiambu, Kenya: The political supremacy battle in Kiambu County is set to unfold again when The National Alliance (TNA) party conducts its nomination Monday to pick a candidate for the Gatundu South by-election.

The contest is shaping up as one between Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, seen to be supporting the widow of former legislator Joseph Nyumu, against most of the MPs, drumming up support for activist Moses Kuria.

The political events preceding the by-election have attracted attention especially from the Mt Kenya region because it is the home constituency of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta is scheduled to attend a church service at African Christian Church and Schools in Thika. It is however, not clear who the President will be rooting for, but a battle line is drawn between area MPs and the Governor.

Sources said the MPs have vowed to oppose the move to push a candidate preferred by Kabogo through the nomination. TNA Secretary General Onyango Oloo said the party is sufficiently prepared to conduct the nomination.

"We are prepared for the nomination and the by-election. We shall ensure it is free and fair. The party has no favourite candidate, may the best candidate win," said Mr Oloo.