Events of 2007 poll violence pop out in Kiambaa battle
Party politics and events of 2007 where scores lost lives in Eldoret after a church fire tragedy during post election violence are among emerging issues shaping the Kiambaa by-election campaign in Kiambu county.
Also at play in the bare-knuckled competition is a quest by Tanga Tanga lawmakers from Central Kenya to use the by-election as a deep stick for their influence in the region as they seek to catch Deputy President William Ruto’s eye, with Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) angling to be the key point men.
Separate billboards
Their competition has been demonstrated by their actions of erecting separate billboards bearing their respective images and those of the DP and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Njuguna wa Wanjiku; whose candidature has been interpreted as the DP’s continued show of defiance and disrespect to his boss; President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Jubilee Party has fielded Kariri Njama who is making a second stab at the seat.
The two main parties have invested in the manpower of sitting and former MPs as well as State officials who have camped in the area to campaign.
The camps are spending millions to entice voters through handouts, media campaign and propaganda machine which has dwarfed other contenders.
Through the by-election slated for July 15, Jubilee is keen to prove its dominance in Mt Kenya especially after losing the Juja contest to Kuria party’s candidate.
The DP, who is having a first direct political confrontation with his boss in a parliamentary by-election in his backyard, is using the mini poll to demonstrate that he has made significant inroad in the area.
Other candidates
The race also has Karomo Mucugi who is vying on a Federal Party ticket, Richard Njoroge (Mwalimu) who is contesting on The New Democrats Party associated with Nyeri politician Thuo Mathenge, Evans Gichia (Independent), Dr Lucy Wanjiku (independent) and David Mugo (independent).
UDA leaders, led by Kuria and their candidates have maintained that Jubilee is dead “and Kiambaa is where it will be buried after its death in Juja by election”.
Wanjiku who is enjoying the financial support and planning of the DP, has described Jubilee as a dead party, which people are fleeing from because of alleged arrogant leadership and failed promises, adding that those unhappy with the ruling party should be allowed to team up with the DP in UDA.
“Jubilee was given job but it failed, people are looking for hope (in UDA). We have seen Jubilee people saying that they want to join hands with Nasa, therefore even those forming UDA there is nothing wrong. It’s their democratic right. Let us be allowed to join UDA,” he said.
While Jubilee is banking on fresh strategies and Njama’s grassroots network under his Kariri Njama Foundation that has been doing community activities.
Njama’s popularity was tested when he vied for the first time in 2017. He managed 11,500 votes in Jubilee nominations against late MP Paul Koinange who garnered 16,000 votes.
UDA is banking on the wave of disquiet in the Jubilee party and perceived DP influence in the region.
Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu and Limuru’s Peter Mwathi lead the Jubilee campaigns.
