The political battle in the upcoming Kiagu Ward by-election may turn out to be a mild walk over for the UDA candidate Simon Kiambi.
A number of factors seem to be working in Kiambi’s favor, among them the party’s growing popularity in the region, and the recent exit of Milton Kabobo and Mwenda Nchamba from the race.
Mwenda was fronted by Mpuru Aburi’s NO-PEU Party, but was withdrawn by the Party leadership citing unavoidable circumstances.
According to the IEBCs leadership and integrity vetting Committee, Milton failed to resign from office as per section 43(5A) of the Elections Act. Milton is an employee of the Meru County Assembly attached to Kiagu Ward.
Another development working in UDA’s favor is the decision by the Jubilee Party leadership in Meru led by Governor Kiraitu Murungi and the Party Secretary General Mr. Alhaji Mwendia have totally distanced themselves from the party activities in recent months.
Jubilee is arguably the only strong opponent in the by-elections. Two weeks ago, another political bigwig in the region, Agriculture CS Peter Munya declared his support for the Jubilee candidate.
According to CS Munya, PNU did not field a candidate due to an existing coalition agreement with the ruling party, urging his supporters to back Mr. Samson Kinyua.
Having attracted a voter turnout of close to 50% in the UDA primaries, it is expected that Simon Kiambi is headed for a major win in the October 14 by-elections.
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