Campaigns for the June 10 South Mugirango by-election are so far characterised by mudslinging and petty politics.

Instead of selling their policies to the electorate, the contestants are trading accusations and counter-accusations.

Mr Ibrahim Ochoi of ODM alleged that chiefs and their assistants were being used by his opponents to harass and undermine his supporters.

At the same time, Ford-People’s Manson Oyongo claimed that some candidates were working in cahoots with former MP Omingo Magara to split the vote.

Equally qualified

But Mr Magara of PDP termed Mr Oyongo’s accusations “unfortunate”, saying that those who were vying for the seat were equally qualified and had the right to contest.

“It is unfortunate for my challenger to claim that I have planted contestants to split the vote. He should realise that everyone is a serious contender,” Mr Magara said.

The by-election has set the stage for a supremacy fight with politicians throwing their weight behind their parties’ candidates.

Kanu, PNU and ODM-Kenya, which did not clear candidates for the seat, are either backing the Ford-People or PDP candidates. This is likely to see lieutenants from the same camp fight different battles.

Within the ODM ranks, divisions between Higher Education minister William Ruto and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have resulted in some party members doing underground campaigns for Mr Magara, a Ruto ally.

There is also the constitution debate, which has presented another tightrope for the candidates.

Other candidates in the race include Mr Rashid Miyonga (PPK), Mr Ezekiel Okeng’o (Narc-Kenya) and Dr Ezekiel Okemwa (Kenda).

The others are Mr Robert Mbaka (Safina), Mr Master Bw’Ondara (KSC), Mr Abaga Sagero (NVP) and  Mr Joash Ombati of the Labour Party of Kenya.