RAILA IN S. MUGIRANGO

With only two days to go for the South Mugirango by-elections key political parties have upped their campaigns with Prime Minister Raila Odinga pitching tent to lobby support for the ODM candidate.

The election has grouped forces opposed to Mr Odinga who have backed former MP Omingo Magara (PDP) in what is fast shaping up as a three-horse race between the former ODM treasurer, ODM candidate Ibrahim Ochoi and Ford-People’s Manson Nyamweya.

Reports on the ground reveal that political party strength and considerations based on clans are the key factors likely to determine the outcome of the polls.

The anti-Odinga forces who have rallied their troops for Mr Magara include Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Higher Education minister William Ruto, Deputy Prime minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Education minister Sam Ongeri. The stakes are higher for the Prime Minister.

Loss of the seat at a time when political numbers matter in Parliament will most certainly be a bitter pill to swallow for Mr Odinga and his party.

On the other hand, Mr Musyoka, Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto will also be measuring their strength against the man they are preparing to face in the 2012 presidential contest.

Mr Odinga said the party declined to give Mr Magara direct nomination to avert discontent among party supporters. He said Mr Magara got a direct nomination in the General Election because he was co-ordinating party activities at the headquarters.

Mr Magara decamped to the PDP party, accusing the Prime Minister of trying to humiliate him by subjecting him to the nomination process.

Other candidates are Joash Ondora (Kanu), Rashid Miyonga (PPK), Ezekiel Okeng’o (Narc Kenya), Dr Ezekiel Okemwa (Kenda), Robert Mbaka (Safina), Master Bw’Ondara (KSC), Abaga Sagero (NVP) and Joash Ombati (Labour Party of Kenya).