Kidero: Do not run away from Nairobi before elections

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero during a meeting with members of the Luhya community in Nairobi on Sunday, July 30 2017 {David Njaaga, Standard}

Nairobi governor Dr Evans Kidero has pleaded with city residents not to relocate upcountry in a bid to safeguard his votes in what is expected to be a hotly contested race.

Kidero together with the Nairobi National Super Alliance (Nasa) team have come up with a 'Adopt-a-Bus station' strategy to ensure people do not travel upcountry ahead of the polls just eight days away.

The strategy, coined from the Nasa Adopt a Polling Station meant to guard votes in Nasa strongholds will have youths deployed in all major bus stations to ensure those travelling are not registered voters in the city.

Addressing members of Luhya community, Kidero blamed the mass exodus of city residents to fear of post-election violence instigated by Jubilee government.

The governor was accompanied by Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, ODM Senate candidate Edwin Sifuna and woman representative candidate Esther Passaris.

Kidero argued that the latest tactic is to have community members from his strongholds relocate upcountry so that they can have advantage over the city elections.

"We do not want people to go home. There will be no violence at all and as the governor I can assure you of your safety," said Kidero.

In the event where Kidero was assured of the Luhya community vote in the city, the governor said there is a possibility of Nasa clinching the county's top seat if most of their members are around on August 8 to vote.

He said Luhyas make up the second largest community in the country and wooed them with several key positions-more than what is in his current government when he clinches the second term.

"We cannot take chances on winning this elections. If you pack and go home we shall lose and it will be unfortunate to give power to Jubilee," said Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke.

Kidero's meeting with the Luhya community was out to counter another by his opponent from Jubilee Senator Mike Sonko who was endorsed on Saturday by a section of Luhya elders.

On Friday, Kidero was also endorsed by Kisii elders just two days after Sonko with his running mate Polycarp Igathe were also endorsed by those who are claimed to be elders from the same community.

Elders who installed Kidero however rubbished Sonko's installation saying it was fake as the said leaders have no power to endorse anyone.

In the latest poll released on Friday, both Kidero and Sonko are on ahead to head tie with 45 per cent preference for both of them as governors.