82 TNA county reps to lead campaigns in Gatundu South

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied to The National Alliance party will in the remaining days ahead of the Gatundu South by-election lead campaigns to ensure it recaptures the seat.

County TNA chairman William Josiah said they have scheduled campaigns of 82 MCAs led by Assembly Majority leader Simon Komu in the next one week to ensure Moses Kuria (pictured) goes to Parliament.

Josiah acknowledged that the battle is not easy especially due to lack of political support from MPs in the County who appear to be silently supporting Kuria's opponent Kiarie Kamere but said they will fight to have their flag-bearer win.

"We (TNA) cannot afford to lose this seat. Its the President's constituency and that is why we have decided to work with  MCAs who will be part of the campaign which will include rallies," Josiah said.

Publicly endorse

MPs from Kiambu and other parts who are allied to the Jubilee coalition have openly clashed with Kuria over his candidature after they declined to publicly endorse him during various functions in the area.

Recently, Juja MP Francis Munyua was heckled when he rooted for Kuria's election during a function that was graced by Ruto. He said if voters do not elect the TNA candidate, they would be embarrassing the Government.

"The ground has not been easy but we have embarked on a strategy to ensure TNA recaptures the seat. Kiambu is a TNA-dominated county and losing it will depict a failed team," he said.

About a week ago, during a fundraiser to support Kuria's candidature, National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale urged Jubilee leaders to be part of Kuria's campaigns, saying President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are busy people to be in the campaigns.

"In fact, there should have been no election but due to democracy let it be that way. But Kuria must join us in Parliament," the Dujis MP said.

Mr Kamere who is battling for the position for the second time is vying on a New Democrats party ticket.

The seat fell vacant after the death of Joseph Ngugi who collapsed at his Runda home. Ngugi died on May 21 after suffering from a cardiac arrest. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission scheduled by-elections for Mathare and Gatundu South for August 7.