Monday, July 4, 2011

Six eye seat of Nairobi governor


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The stage is set for an epic battle to control Nairobi city’s four million people as hopefuls for the seat of governor begin their campaigns in earnest. In what is likely to be a grueling battle, the candidates are said to be assembling campaign machinery worth millions of shillings.
The candidates have been holding strategy meetings and are said to have ordered choppers and tens of campaign vehicles. So far, six candidates have expressed their interest in becoming the first Nairobi governor although the elections are a year away. Top on the list is Mumias Sugar Chief Executive Officer Officer Evans Kidero, known as EK in political circles. Kidero is set to officially launch his campaign in Kamkunji constituency this week.
Nairobi business tycoon Jimnah Mbaru, Town Clerk Phillip Kisia, assistant minister Ferdinand Waititu, former Makadara MP Dickson Wathika and businessman Kevin Malinga are also in the race. Kidero and associates have launched the EK Centre in Kileleshwa as a command post for his campaigns.
Wathika, who rose from councillor to Mayor of Nairobi and later MP for Makadara, has been meeting his close associates to strategise on how to capture the seat.
Although he said he was contemplating retirement after losing the Makadara seat to Gidion Mbuvi, he has changed his mind. “I wanted to retire from active politics and concentrate on my business, but I have been receiving requests from across the city to go for the seat,” Wathika told the Star.
As to his strategy, the former MP said it was too early to disclose his plans as “I don’t even know who my would-be opponents are”. Mbaru, who is currently the chairman of National Cereals and Produce Board and Dyer and Blair Investment Bank, has been meeting with businessmen to strategise.
The business guru who hails from Muranga recently told the Star that he is putting in place a campaign programme which will win him the seat. He said the Nairobi governorship will require a serious and well experienced person to manage the city’s affairs. “Money is going to be devolved to the county, and that’s why I feel we need someone of sound financial management experience taking up the job. I believe that is where I fit,” Mbaru said. Businessman Kevin Malinga popularly known as ‘Kevo’ is planning to launch his campaign later this year.
He said he will hire a chopper to overfly the city with a banner bearing his name and announcing his candidature. “The campaigns will not be a joke, they require resources and I will shock everyone with the type of campaigns I will engage in,” he said. Kisia, the current Town Clerk has kept his cards close to his heart and has only been meeting close allies.
City Mayor George Aladwa warns that it will take resilience, hard work and money for one to become the governor of Nairobi. Aladwa warns those who may be banking on tribal politics to be wary since Nairobians will go for a performer and defy ethnic voting patterns.

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