Residents of Kiambaa constituency and Muguga ward hit the ballot box in parliamentary by-elections that could direct Mount Kenya politics ahead of next year’s elections.
The by-election that has attracted 96,000 registered voters spread out in 154 polling stations was prompted by the death of Paul Koinange who was serving his second term after being elected in 2013 and 2017.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy William Ruto allies have declared the outcome of today’s Kiambaa parliamentary by-election outcome will be a major statement on Jubilee party and United Democratic Alliance(UDA) succession in the next year’s election.
Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata yesterday said the results of the by-election will be the defining moment of the takeover in Mt Kenya region.
“We are using the mini poll as our reharsal ahead of the complete takeover of the region in the run-up to 2022. We are competing against the President,” he said.
However, Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu said the hustlers are peddling lies and deceit hence confusing Mt Kenya people.
“On one hand they are saying they share the development agenda of the Jubilee party but on the other hand wanting the electorate to vote for an opposition candidate,” he said.
Kiambu Governor James Nyoro said that the Jubilee team on the ground is up to the task.
“We have regrouped and have really tried to deal with the hustler nation propaganda and we are sure we will weather the imperfect competition to deliver a win to Jubilee,” he said.
Last month’s by-elections in Bonchari and Juja constituencies, as well as in Rurii ward, Jubilee Party suffered defeats in all three.
Kenyatta is backing his Jubilee Party candidate for Kiambaa Kariri Njama, who is running against Ruto allied UDA candidate John Njuguna Wanjiku.
In Muguga ward, Jubilee’s Githinji Mung’ara will battle it out with UDA’s Kamau Thumbi.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared that the
exercise will be conducted under strict Covid-19 protocols.
The commission warned candidates they could be disqualified if they break election rules.
The provincial administration also deployed hundreds of police officers in the densely populated constituency to ensure voting goes peacefully.
