It’s bruising battle as parties kick off Ikolomani campaigns

By Joel Okwayo

Three political parties are flexing their muscles for the Ikolomani parliamentary by-election set for May 23.

Orange Democratic Movement, New Ford-Kenya and Ford-People leaders seemed to promise a bruising battle for the seat as ODM kicked off its campaigns on Sunday.

Seven Orange party leaders, including asistant ministers Alfred Khang’ati and Manyala Keya, and MPs Justus Kizito, Ababu Namwamba, Millie Odhiambo, Yusuf Chanzu and David Were hit the ground to campaign for their candidate Benard Shinali.

The MPs said they would hold several rallies to build support for him.

Confidence

"We want to increase the number in Parliament," said Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Khang’ati.

They said party leader Raila Odinga and his deputy Musalia Mudavadi would join them later, as they expressed confidence ODM would clinch the seat.

Namwamba said the campaigns would not stop until the last day. He said ODM leaders from the region were determined to deliver a victory.

At the same time he urged residents to back Shinali saying the party is set to form the next Government. He cautioned Ikolomani people against being swayed into backing a candidate with minority MPs in Parliament.

Pinch tent

The by-election has attracted three candidates, including immediate former MP Bonny Khalwale (New Ford Kenya) and Collins Matemba (Ford People).

Meanwhile, Ford People Secretary-General Michael Namayi said the party will also pitch tent in Ikoloamni. He advised the electorate to keep off ‘bribing politicians’ and vote for a candidate of their choice.

"We should vote for a person and not the party," said Namayi, speaking at Malinya market during a campaign for Mr Matemba.

And Cabinet Minister Soita Shitanda said New Ford Kenya will roll out its rigorous campaigns to ensure Dr Khalwale is re-elected.

Call for peace

Shitanda said the former MP should be given a chance to complete projects he initiated.

"We shall go on the ground and our messages will be clear to the people of Ikolomani. We are not new to the people," said Shitanda, who was speaking in Kakamega town.

The ODM leaders also appealed for peace during the campaigns and election.

"We want a campaign that is not characterised with criminal activities," said Mr Were.