Joho, Mvurya intensify vote hunt in the 11th hour pitch
With less than two weeks to the Msambweni by-election, aspirants continue to traverse the constituency drumming their support.
Campaigns have gone full throttle as governors Hassan Joho of Mombasa and Kwale’s Salim Mvurya, pitch tent in the area to flex political muscle while campaigning for their favourite candidates.
Both camps traversed Ramisi, Kinindo, Ukunda and Bongwe/Gombato wards.
Mvurya, accompanied by his deputy Fatuma Achani, drummed up support for Feisal Bader, an Independent candidate.
On the other hand, Joho led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Omar Boga’s campaigns accompanied by Kwale Senator Issa Juma Boy.
Joho said Msambweni constituency is engulfed in a myriad of challenges that need to be addressed by an MP who has the backing of the government.
He maintained that Boga is the Hand shake candidate and the government is behind him.
“The problems of Msambweni range from land issues, unemployment, poverty, health, mining and lack of water.
I want to tell you people of Msambweni, all these problems need the government synergy to be solved,” he said.
Boga said he has confidence that he will be elected on December 15.
“I want to swear here and now that come December 16, I will have been elected the Msambweni MP,” he said.
Boga also said he has urged the government to sort out the issue of lack of title deeds to the people of Gasi saying: “In two weeks, Lands Cabinet Secretary will be here to hand over title deeds, which will be issued by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.”
He expressed optimism, saying he is adequately prepared for the battle.
“I have no worries because President Uhuru Kenyatta is at the top with Raila Odinga holding his jacket and Joho holding Raila’s jacket, I will be clinging on Joho’s pants,” he said.
Senator Issa Juma slammed Governor Mvurya, terming him a lone ranger in the campaigns without support of local MPs and Ward Reps.
Bader enjoys the support of MPs Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango) and Kassim Tandaza Sawa (Matuga).
Mvurya asked the ODM camp to play politics devoid of insults and pride.
He castigated the opponents for chest thumping claiming they must win come what may.
“They are going round saying ‘kama noma, noma’. If a leader utters such words, what do they mean?” He asked.
Mvurya appealed to the electoral agency to be on the look out to avoid chaotic elections.
“We are telling the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to be vigilant because we do not want electoral theft.
I want to assure you Bader’s votes will not be stolen. We will guard them properly because the opponents are saying the must win come what may,” he said.
Create jobs
Bader said he is the best-placed candidate to steer Msambweni forward by tackling the issue of unemployment.
He dismissed his opponents, saying they lack the know-how of creating job opportunities since they are promising jobs that are abroad.
“For now we are not looking for an agent to take people to Dubai and Saudi Arabia. We are looking for a leader who will create jobs locally,” he said.
He added: “Governor Mvurya has brought investors who are opening up industries here, our job will include building capacity for youth to acquire skills so that they can secure jobs in those factories.”
