Lamu, Kenya: The Lunga Lunga parliamentary seat by-election has become a two-horse race pitting CORD’s Khatib Mwashetani on a Ford Kenya ticket against Jubilee’s Omar Zonga from URP.
The campaigns have gained momentum despite Mwashetani’s motorcade being involved in an accident at the weekend.
“It seems the car was on high speed and when the driver tried to negotiate a corner near Perani, it veered off the road and rolled,” said Kassim Pojjo, Mwereni URP ward representative, who is a close ally of Mwashetani.
Rivalry between the two former MPs has intensified.
“Right now I am not in a position to tell you who will win the seat but without a doubt the two (Mwashetani and Zonga) are front runners,” said Ms Mejumaa Lewa. Mwashetani has partnered with Kwale Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga to campaign.
Ms Julia Mwihaki, a voter, said party politics will not sway voters. “The major issue here is lack of water and anyone who will construct boreholes for us will win the seat,” she said.
Others in the race are Benson Mutisya (TNA), Abdallah Gonzi (KNC) and Said Mwadzayo (Federal Party).
By Tobias Chanji, The Standard
