KIBAKI AND MAGARA

President Mwai Kibaki has refused to be drawn into the ongoing campaigns for the South Mugirango parliamentary seat.

The head of state, who was on his way to Suneka airstrip after attending a burial ceremony in the nearby Rongo district on Wednesday, stopped at Nyabigege trading centre to greet a large crowd that included Education minister Sam Ongeri and Mr Omingo Magara.

The president emerged from his limousine in a light drizzle and proceeded to a podium, where Ongeri made a passionate appeal for the president to receive Mr Magara, who ditched ODM for PDP, an affiliate of PNU.

Mr Magara later addressed the gathering where he made several requests to the president.

The president, however, refused to be drawn into the campaign, insisting that the final decision would be made by the people of South Mugirango themselves.

At the same time, security has been tightened in the constituency as campaigns intensify.

The Gucha police boss, Richard Ng’etich, said security had to be tightened as party patrons would soon visit the constituency to campaign for their candidates.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga will on Sunday hold a series of rallies to drum up support for ODM candidate Mr Ibrahim Ochoi.

Also expected to tour the constituency next Tuesday is retired President Moi while Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka is also expected next week. The vice-president has thrown his weight behind Mr Magara while Moi will be rooting for Kanu candidate Mr John Joshua Ondora.