As Muranga county politics heat up, the Senate seat fight is shaping into a two horse race as between the youth and the old. The youth are represented by Kiharu MP Irungu Kangata and the old by incumbent Kembi Gitura.
Kangata campaign is reflective of the youthful energy of a road show full of music and dancing. Some have christened him "Kamatia Chini" based on a popular song that is being belted in his campaign caravans.
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On the other hand, Kembi's approach is laid back where he goes to pre-arranged gatherings like burials and educational meetings.
But they are those who have wondered why Kangata decided to gamble whilst seeking to be a senator whereas his seat as an Mp would have been 'a walk in the park'.
"Kangata is a very calculative politician who takes a long term look at things. He never defends his seat and leaves when his popularity is sky high as he is doing in Kiharu. Based on his development record as an MP and his social skills, Kangata was almost assured for another term but chose to try senate.This is exactly what he did when he served as a councilor in Muranga town for one term and refused to defend his seat, Francis Ndungu, a political analyst based in Kangema town told the star.
Kangata has vied for several political positions in his life and takes pride in not losing in an election. He served as student leader in the University of Nairobi, councilor at the age of 22.
"Based on his energetic and vigorous campaign, Kangata is the man to beat now," James Kamau ,a political pundit from Muranga .
Kembi is relying on his long experience in government as a diplomat, MP and Senate Deputy Speaker.
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The Senator is viewed as an elite whereas many view Kangata as a more approachable person. Hence, the rich and the elite are rallying behind Kembi but the youth and women behind Kangata.
By virtue of his polished style, Kembi is said to have strong friends in Jubilee government especially President Uhuru Kenyatta's wing. But Kangata has cultivated strong relationships with Deputy President Ruto that has enabled him to have several paved roads.
The MP has been a vocal supporter of Peter Kenneth candidacy for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat. Kangata rose to fame when when he represented Kerubo against Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza.
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"Kangata was a councilor when Kembi was Kiharu MP and they had a close working relationship .They also both originally come from wangu ward and they are lawyers by profession. Initially Kembi had taken a confrontational approach but when Kangata refused to reply in kind, Kembi changed tact and became soft also," Nduta Chege a political pundit said.
There are other candidate in the race including Peter Njangi, a former principal of Njiiri High school.
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