- Tong'i has expressed optimism that he is going to recapture his seat, citing his development record for the last two terms.
- He has singled out road and school infrastructure, saying that many schools are easily accessible because of better roads.
Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong'i has told his opponents to engage in issue-based campaigns.
Tong'i said the era of politics of character assassination has been overtaken by time, adding that his constituents are going to elect a leader based on his agendas and policies.
"I am urging my opponents to sell their policies and agendas instead of engaging in petty politics," Tong'i told his supporters at his Amariba home.
The legislator expressed optimism that he is going to recapture his seat, citing his development record for the last two terms.
"The constituency has gained a lot since I took leadership. I am seeking re-election so that I can complete projects I initiated," he added.
Tong'i singled out road and school infrastructure, saying that many schools are easily accessible because of better roads.
He said that he has supported reconstruction of a number of primary and secondary schools in the constituency which were in a dilapidated state using Constituency Development Fund.
Tong'i will be battling out with Zaheer Jhanda, veteran journalist Eric Obino, James Kenani, Vincent Sagwe, Chris Bichage and Kiogoro MCA Samuel Apoko, among others.
He said the construction of 26km of road which he negotiated with the national government through the Ministry of Roads has since started.
"Once completed, the road will facilitate easy transportation of agricultural products," Tong'i said.
Meanwhile, Jhanda has told off his opponents who are spreading propaganda using his colour and tribe.
He said some of his political rivals have been cheating the electorate he is not a Kisii and thus does not deserve to run for the seat.
Jhanda said he was born in Kisii and attended Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School.
"I was in the race with Tong'i in 2013 and again in 2017. I lost in 2013 but I won in 2017 but some people snatched my victory," he said during a campaign at Kiogoro.
Speaking separately, Sagwe of Progressive Party of Kenya urged his competitors not to misuse the youths during the campaigns.
He also told his opponents not to capitalise on mass youth unemployment to seek political mileage.
Sagwe, who served as Kisii Roads and Lands executive, expressed optimism that he will win based on his services to the entire county.
"I served residents in the whole county which has nine constituencies. What will happen to a single constituency if given an opportunity," he said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)