Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo at a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo has said he had to put in extra effort to beat his predecessor Rashid Bedzimba in the August 8 polls.Speaking during a NASA campaign rally at Mtopanga Primary School on Saturday, Mbogo said he infiltrated his opponent’s stronghold while at the same time ensuring that his turf does not change its loyalty.Mbogo clinched the seat after garnering 34,898 votes against Bedzimba’s 29,752.The MP revealed that he concentrated his campaigns in Shanzu, Mtopanga and Mjambere wards where Bedzimba enjoyed massive support.He, however, said he had to ensure votes in Junda, Mwakirunge, Magogoni and Bamburi wards, which are his strongholds, remained intact.The MP said that out of the seven votes in the constituency, Bedzimba only beat him Shanzu.“Opinion polls showed Mtopanga was our opponent’s stronghold. But with time our campaign team shifted people’s minds,” said Mbogo.According to The Star, Mbogo’s campaign team coined the ‘Elimu Kwanza’ slogan (education first) to counter his opponent’s Wakali Kwanza tag.Bedzimba was associated with criminal gangs in the constituency including the Wakali Kwanza gang, claims which he has denied.Bedzimba has since gone to court seeking the nullification of Mbogo’s win, citing election irregularities and illegalities.Mbogo has however dismissed the petition, saying it was a waste of time.