Political supremacy battle between ODM leader Raila Odinga and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka is expected to play out as Embakasi South voters go to the polls in the by-election on Friday.
The contest has been taunted as a two-horse-race between Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party candidate Irshad Sumra and Wiper’s Julius Mawathe.
Both Raila and Kalonzo have exuded confidence that their candidates will carry the day.
At least 150,314 registered voters spread in 221 polling stations are expected to vote on Friday.
The by-election means a lot to both Raila and Kalonzo on grounds that their parties are members of the National Super Alliance (NASA).
It also means a lot to the two in the sense that the winner is likely to stamp authority ahead of the 2022 general election.
The by-election could also in a way determine the future of both leaders in regards to the 2022 general election.
Kalonzo is eyeing the 2022 presidential election and winning in Embakasi South could give him much confidence.
Similarly, Raila is likely to be on the presidential ballot in 2022 as some of his allies say and he is also keen on clinching the seat.
The handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila is also likely to have an effect on how Embakasi South will vote in the seat that fell vacant after the Supreme Court nullified Mawathe’s election on grounds it was not free and fair.
Other candidates in the by-election are Rameshchandra Gorasia (Democratic Party of Kenya), Jefferson Kasingu (KANU), Alexander Mutisya (Maendeleo Chap Chap), Angelina Mwikali (Thirdsway Alliance) and Jairus Musyoka (Independent).
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