Raila makes last pitch for votes in Ndhiwa

CAMPAIGNS in Ndhiwa come to an end today ahead of Monday’s by election. Prime Minister Raila Odinga today leads the campaign team in its final efforts to convince the electorate to vote for the party's candidate Neto Oyugi . Rails is heading a strong team of ODM ministers to drum up support for Oyugi whose nomination caused uproar. Some of the candidates who lost opted to throw their support to Kanu candidate, Tom Alila.

The TNA party whose presidential hopeful Uhuru Kenyatta will also be contesting through its candidate Rosemary Rumo. Returning officer Maurice Simiyu yesterday said all preparations has been finalised. “We are ready for the by-election,” said Simiyu. He said presiding officers and clerks will visit polling stations today ahead of their deployment tomorrow.

“We have received non-strategic materials today but the registers and ballot papers will be delivered on tomorrow (Sunday),” said Simiyu. The IEBC official warned candidates against campaigning 48 hours to the polling day. “Campaigning will end 48 hours before the election day. Action will be taken against people campaigning after the deadline,” said the returning officer.

Campaigns reached fever pitch this week as party leaders campaigned for their candidates. Kanu chairman Gideon Moi on Thursday campaigned for Alila and announced that the party will seek a partnership with ODM. The Party for National Alliance presidential aspirant Uhuru Kenyatta campaigned has been campaigning for Rosemary Rumo. By-elections will also be held in Wire Hill/Migwa, Kachieng, East Kadem, Nyaramba/Nyangoge and Gembe East civic wards.