- Both camps are upbeat of winning the elections, how the respective regions voted in the presidential election on August 9 notwithstanding.
- It is not clear whether Ruto and Raila will go to Kakamega and Mombasa to drum up support for their respective candidates in the four days of campaigns.
Image: LABAN WALLOGA
Kakamega and Mombasa governor candidates are in A last minute rush to rally voters as they exude confidence of emerging victorious in the polls set for Monday.
The IEBC on Monday revised its directive and allowed the candidates to campaign until Friday following a meeting with them at the Bomas of Kenya.
The two elections pit the President-elect William Ruto and Azimio La Umoja’s Raila Odinga.
Both camps are upbeat of winning the elections, how the respective regions voted in the presidential election on August 9 notwithstanding.
According to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission data, Mombasa county has 642,362 registered voters.
Raila garnered 161,015 votes, while Ruto received 113,700 in the coastal county.
In Kakamega, Raila got 357,665 votes against Ruto's 140,450 votes.
Kakamega governor candidate Fernandes Barasa (ODM) welcomed the decision by the IEBC to hold the polls on Monday.
“On August 29 is a date with destiny. It was delayed but is unstoppable,” Barasa said.
Cleophas Malala (ANC) said the people of Kakamega are ready for change come Monday.
“This can only be achieved by making the right choice on August 29. For economic prosperity and the growth of the region, Malala is the best bet,” he said.
Abdulswalmad Nassir (ODM) expressed optimism that Mombasa electorate will not be swayed by the fact that IEBC announced Ruto as the president-elect.
Nassir is facing- among others- former senator Hassan Omar of the United Democratic Alliance.
“We have been waiting for the big day. On Monday August 29, nobody will stop the people of Mombasa from getting the leader they want,” he said.
Buoyed by Ruto’s win in the presidential election, Omar exuded confidence that he will win the Mombasa governor’s election.
During the August 9 General Election, Mombasa had the lowest turnout in the country at 43 per cent.
Omar urged voters to turn up in large numbers and vote for UDA.
“The postponement was unforeseen and nobody expected it. We are now asking our supporters to come out in large numbers and vote,” he said.
Malala said the IEBC should conduct sufficient voter education and sensitisation before Monday.
“We need the commission to put enough advertisements telling the people elections will be on Monday,” he said.
Others in the Mombasa race are William Kingi of Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), Daniel Munga Kitsao (independent), Hezron Awiti (Vibrant Democratic Party), Said Abdalla (Usawa Kwa Wote), Shafii Makazi (Upia) and Antony Chitavi (United Democratic Forum).
In Kakamega Cyrus Jirongo (UDP), Suleiman Sumba (Kanu), Samuel Omukoko (Maendeleo Democratic Party) and Michael Osundwa and Austine Opitso (independents) are also contesting.
Kenya Kwanza is up against strong competition from Raila, who considers Mombasa and Kakamega as some of his strong political bastions.
It is not clear whether Ruto and Raila will go to Kakamega and Mombasa to drum up support for their respective candidates in the four days of campaigns.