Memusi and Tutui intensify vote-hunt in Kajiado, draw strength from their political parties

Elijah Memusi of ODM face off Patrick Tutui of Jap in the Kajiado Central By Election

Question: How do you fancy your chances given that you are vying against an aspirant you lost to during the Jubilee Alliance Party primaries before your defected to ODM?

Memusi: I predict that I will secure 60 per cent of the vote. A lot has changed on the ground since the nominations. I have also managed to turn the tide in areas like Kangere when I outlined my policies.

Q: What are some of the burning issues at play ahead of the by-election?

Answer: There has been a misconception that clan issues matter in Maasai politics. However, that is not the case. The issue here is that our voters look for individuals with the right leadership qualities.

Q: CORD leaders accompanied you as you submitted your nomination papers to the IEBC. What impact did that have?

A: The support from the CORD leadership will be critical in fighting the Jubilee tide in Kajiado Central. It will certainly boost my standing.

Q: What do you think of former MP Joseph Nkaiserry’s endorsement of Tutui?

A: The endorsement does not worry me because voters in the region always elect who they want irrespective of what others say. They know the qualities to look for in a leader, and for me, my track-record speaks for itself.

Q: It’s been reported that the Government’s handling of the wrangles in Narok County pitting the Governor and other elected leaders may work in your favour. Many local people were angered by the arrest of local leaders. Any comment?

A: The Government was heavy handed but I do not think its actions will have a bearing on the by-election.

Q: What will play to your advantage in the by-election?

A: I am well known in Kajiado Central. I run a bursary fund for orphaned children, I have contributed to the development of schools and helped to promote farming. My involvement with community projects has boosted my popularity. The Orange party also enjoys considerable support in the region.

Q:  CORD leaders claim there is plot by the Government to manipulate the mini-poll. Do you have evidence to corroborate these claims?

A: There is every indication that the Government will attempt to rig the by-election. Jubilee leaders have said they will win whether or not people vote for them. We also have intelligence reports that security agencies have been asked to turn a blind eye on election malpractices. We want to appeal to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission not to allow any mischief.

Patrick Tutui

Question: What do you think your chances are in this race, given that you will be pitted against a man you narrowly beat in the JAP primaries?

Answer: Going by the mood on the ground and our aggressive campaigns, I am confident of victory.

Q: What are some of the burning issues at play in the by-election?

A: The land factor, the age of candidates and clannism. The major clans are from Kankere, Matapato and Ildamat regions. Memusi and I are both from Matapato section, but belong to different clans.

Q: President Uhuru Kenyatta personally presented to you the nomination certificate, and his key allies such as Aden Duale accompanied you to the IEBC headquarters where you handed over your nomination papers.   Will that have an influence in the by-elections?

A: The President’s gesture demonstrates that Jubilee fully supports my candidature, and the party has driven a well co-ordinated campaign to ensure that I secure victory.

Q: There have been reports of bad blood between you and Nkaiserry, both of you having been previous rivals in Kajiado Central. Do you think his endorsement will boost your chances?

A: I can only say that the differences we had are now history.

Q: It’s been reported that the Government’s handling of the wrangles in Narok County pitting the governor and other elected leaders may work in your rival’s favour. Many local people were angered by the arrest of local leaders. Any comment?

A: Kenyans should know that while Narok County is a United Republican Party zone, Kajiado County is a TNA zone.

These two counties read from completely different scripts politically and what happened in Narok will have no bearing in the coming by-election.

Q: What are your strengths in this by-election?

A: My greatest strength is being a Jubilee candidate. Jubilee has won all elected seats apart from the governorship and I am confident we are going to win this seat as well.

Q:  CORD leaders claim there is a plot to rig these by-election. What are your views?

A: That these lies are being spread by ODM and CORD is an acknowledgement that they expect to lose. They know they have no chance against us.