2007 Elections
Candidates move to villages in last dash to woo voters
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 22 January 2008 19:17
Campaigns continue till late into the night in a race where every single vote will count. Money and other goodies, including campaign material, exchange hands during the door-to-door campaigns.
In Kisii, where almost all parties have high hopes of winning the community’s vote, candidates have now moved to the villages.
"They have discovered that they have to reach out to the people, unlike in the past few days when people flocked their homes," said a West Mugirango constituent. "That personal conversation with a voter is what will count," said Narc-Kenya West Mugirango candidate, Mrs Catherine Nyamato.
Cabinet minister, Mr Henry Obwocha, who is defending his West Mugirango seat, moves from one village to the other, a strategy that his other opponents, Mr Dennis Abincha and Dr James Gesami, have also adopted.
In Nyaribari-Chache where Cabinet minister, Mr Simeon Nyachae is facing 18 other opponents, the campaigns have moved a notch higher with the Roads minister also moving from village to village in a last-minute dash to retain the seat.
Nyachae’s main opponent, Mr Chris Bichage of ODM, said he was seeking the blessing and support of clans. "Voting in our areas is influenced by clan voting patterns. I have met leaders from all the kamba nane clans and those I have talked to have assured me of rallying their clansmen behind my candidature," he said yesterday.
In South Mugirango where Mr Omingo Magara is facing a formidable challenge from Ford-People’s Mr Manson Nyamweya and Ms Karen Nyamoita, a door-to-door strategy was working out for all.
Ford-People’s Mr Jimmy Angwenyi and his key rival Mr James Ongwae of ODM are on a blistering campaign across Kitutu Chache as they meet their chief campaigners and elders from different parts of the constituency.
