Jubilee has gained significant ground in Nyamira, a county seen as an Opposition stronghold, some leaders there have said after the President's "successful" tour.
Speaking a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta concluded a two-day visit in Kisii as well, the leaders said the political landscape had shifted.
“The county is no longer NASA-dominated. We are targeting 60 per cent of the region’s votes from the 26 the President got in the last election,” said Speaker Joash Nyamoko.
Nyamoko is seeking the North Mugirango parliamentary seat on a Jubilee ticket.
He added: “The President had a wonderful and successful tour of the county. He got a good reception, even from areas perceived to be Opposition strongholds, such as Nyamira town.”
Nyamoko further said the compensation of IDPs after 10 years was a milestone and would boost JP’s numbers on August 8.
He added that said support by professionals from the community has boosted JP’s chances of trouncing the Opposition.
The Speaker’s sentiments were echoed by Borabu parliamentary aspirant Patrick Osero.
“We have realised we were milking a bull by supporting the Opposition. We made mistakes but on August 8, the Kisii community will rally behind the President,” he said,
Jubilee's Kitutu Masaba MP aspirant Shadrack Mose said: “The President traversed Nyamira and went to remote areas where he was received with jubilation. He also addressed key issues like IDP compensation and infrastructure.
“Uhuru will get more votes in Nyamira than he did last time. JP candidates will also garner more seats than in the last election,” Mose also told The Star on phone.
But Opposition MPs Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba) and Ben Momanyi (Borabu) earlier said the President’s trip will not sway voters who have resolved to support NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
The MPs also dismissed the Sh830 million compensation for IDPs in the region, terming it a mockery, and questioned the source of the money.
Kisii IDPs got Sh358 million and those in Nyamira Sh470 million.
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