All systems go for Nairobi mayoral poll

Thursday, 07 July 2011 00:09 BY STEPHENE SANGIRA

INCUMBENT: Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa in his office moments after taking over from Majiwa.Photo/ Philip Kamakya.

The campaign mood has hit City Hall ahead of the mayoral elections set for early August. The council is set to hold a full council meeting this week to set the mayoral election date, according to deputy town clerk Abdi Omar. This will be the last mayoral elections conducted by councillors, as the new constitution dictates mayors be elected directly by the people. ODM has 53 councillors while PNU has 45.

George Aladwa of ODM, who is the acting mayor after Geoffrey Majiwa stepped aside under the cloud of the cemetery scandal, is consolidating his support to officially take over. However, he is facing stiff challenge from the burly Kileleshwa councillor Elias Otieno, who may complicate Aladwa’s candidature if he goes the whole hog. Otieno chairs the city planning committee. He is being fronted by chief officers at the council and city businessmen who say he is moderate and astute. Other candidates in ODM primaries are Kamau Mweha and William Kinyany.

In PNU, Mutunga Mutungi will be gunning for the coveted seat for the third time, as is James Gakuya. Bernard Mutura  is also set to declare his candidature this week.

As has been the norm, city MPs have infiltrated the campaigns with ministers Beth Mugo and Ferdinand Waititu fronting Gakuya, popularly known as Buda.

Sources in ODM said that Aladwa, a shrewd former Kanu, hawk was being backed by the party hierarchy, with Prime Minister Raila Odinga having made a courtesy call to the mayor’s parlour a fortnight ago.

The decision has raised a storm at City Hall with councillors telliing Raila to keep off the mayoral elections. The Majiwa factor is also being monitored, as he commands a sizeable number of loyal councilors.

Ministers Fred Gumo, Elizabeth Ongoro and Margaret Wanjiru and former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua have also thrown their weight behind Aladwa. Interestingly, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo is sponsoring a candidate against Aladwa.

Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Njeru Githae has also strangely endorsed Aladwa, saying the few months he has acting, positive policy changes have been felt at the council.

However, Majiwa yesterday dismissed Aladwa’s appeal to be endorsed, saying no political seat can be delivered on a silver platter. “He has to sweat, this is a game of numbers.”