President William Ruto’s Kenya
Kwanza coalition and the United Opposition are deploying last-minute strategies
as campaigns for Thursday’s by-elections conclude today.
Both
sides have unleashed what appears to be their final push to win over voters in
these high-stakes mini-polls, which are widely seen as a rehearsal for the 2027
general election.
Campaigns
wrap up on Monday, 48 hours before election day, in line with election laws and
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) guidelines.
Over
the past week, coalitions intensified grassroots mobilisation, splitting their
teams to conduct aggressive door-to-door campaigns.
They
are also simultaneously engaging local media houses in targeted messaging
efforts.
In
Mbeere North constituency, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service
CS Geoffrey Ruku campaigned for UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende, who faces
stiff competition from the Democratic Party’s Newton Karish.
“We
are supporting Wamuthende because we will work with him to complete projects
already being implemented in this area,” Kindiki said.
He
criticised leaders backing the opposition candidate, accusing them of failing
to initiate significant development projects during their tenure.
“When
we needed them most, they were absent. Now they are everywhere, insulting us
and belittling leaders. Do not be distracted by them,” the DP said.
He
urged residents to turn out in large numbers and vote for Wamuthende, saying
the government would appreciate and reciprocate the support.
“We
will be grateful and we will not forget your support. We will complete ongoing
projects and start many more here,” Kindiki said.
DCP
leader Rigathi Gachagua has been conducting door-to-door campaigns, asserting
his influence as a Mt Kenya political kingpin.
On
Sunday, he attended a church service at ACK St Stephen’s Karangare Church in
Ishiara, where he campaigned for Karish.
He
later traversed several areas in the constituency in a final attempt to
consolidate support ahead of Thursday’s vote.
He
has complemented these visits with media interviews, including a Sunday session
with Maa media stations, promoting the DCP candidate for Narok Township MCA.
Today,
the opposition brigade will camp in the ward to campaign for its candidate,
Douglas Masikonde.
On
Saturday, he appeared on Embu-based stations following a day-long campaign in
Mbeere North.
A
similar strategy is underway in Malava constituency, where the contest between
Kenya Kwanza and the United Opposition is intense.
Ruto
has deployed a strong team led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi,
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, his aide Farouk Kibet and several MPs
to campaign for UDA candidate David Ndakwa.
“There
are competitors in this region abusing CS Oparanya, PCS Musalia Mudavadi and
myself. Their campaign has no agenda other than insults,” Wetang’ula said,
adding that their political messaging lacked direction.
UDA
leaders are portraying Ndakwa as the natural custodian of the development
legacy left by the late MP Malulu Injendi.
Meanwhile,
the opposition has mobilised a team of influential politicians, including Trans
Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, DAP-K leader
Eugene Wamalwa and DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala to campaign for Seth
Panyako.
Elsewhere,
campaigns have intensified in Magarini (Kilifi), Ugunja (Siaya), Kasipul (Homa
Bay) and Banissa (Mandera) where candidates and their parties are making a
final push to win over undecided voters.
On
Saturday, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka camped in Ugunja to rally support for
his party’s candidate in the parliamentary by-election, signalling the
importance the coalition places on reclaiming the seat.
