TNA set to face off with rivals in Kangema

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By SAMUEL KARANJA samkache@gmail.com
Posted  Saturday, July 14  2012 at  18:46

The Kangema by-election is expected to be a litmus test for presidential candidates in Central Kenya.

Of particular interest will be how The National Alliance, the party of presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta, fares in the area.

The recently established party is among the most popular in the area, with a majority of those interested in the Kangema seat declaring they would vie for it on a TNA ticket. Three of the hopefuls have already opened TNA offices in the constituency.

However, other parties, including Narc-Kenya, Alliance Party of Kenya and the United Democratic Forum, are also expected to flex their muscles and test their political might in the by-election expected to be influenced by presidential candidates.

“This by-election is very significant to our TNA party as it means we will have our first-ever MP once our candidate clinches the seat,” said Nairobi Metropolitan minister Jamleck Kamau.

“Of course we expect other parties to front candidates, too, but we are sure to triumph. We will ensure a level playing ground, and we will not have any direct nominations,” said the Kigumo MP.

But Mr Jeremiah Kioni, the Ndargwa MP who is one of the officials of UDF, said the outcome of the by-election will not necessarily reflect the strength of parties.

“There are more pressing issues, and a by-election can bog a party down. I don’t think it will be a litmus test for parties,” he said, adding that the party will meet next week to decide whether it will run a candidate.

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The battle to succeed former Environment minister John Michuki, who was Kangema MP for 25 years, has intensified with more than 10 contestants declaring interest in the seat.

Aspirants include businessman Kimani Mugo, Ms Ann Kirima, a daughter of business tycoon the late Gerishon Kirima, veteran lawyer Muturi Kigano, Knut National Vice-Chairman Samson Kaguma, Kangema CDF treasurer Samuel Gatitu, businessman John Gathogo, lawyer Kimani Kahiro and university lecturer Gideon Kamau.

The candidates have pitched camp in the area to popularise themselves and are also reported to be holding private strategy meetings.

“I’m sure I will get this seat as I’m not a newcomer. I contested in 2007 and came second,” said Mr Mugo who will be seeking a TNA ticket. He has taken his campaign to social media in the hope of attracting the youth vote.

Ms Kirima, who is the only female candidate so far, will be hoping to win the women’s vote.