Nairobi senator Mike Sonko [PHOTO/buzzkenya.com]
NASA flag-bearer Raila Odinga's remarks that he will resign as president if Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko wins the Nairobi governor seat have attracted sharp reactions from the senator.
Sonko now says that the city's NASA team led by Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama and incumbent governor Evans Kidero has read defeat and resorted to dirty campaigns against him.
"Raila Odinga or any other political candidate can say whatever they like because pride comes before a fall. My political ambition is hinged on God and the good people I work so hard for, not on any individual. August 8 is not far away; they will witness God's will," said Sonko.
Speaking at campaigns in Eastleigh on Friday, Raila hit out at Sonko's bid for the top seat, saying that if he is elected president and Sonko senator, he cannot stand another day in office.
"Nasikia kuna kijana moja anaitwa Sonko anataka kuwa gavana wa Nairobi. Jameni hatutaki madoadoa... Kama Sonko ni gavana na mimi nimechaguliwa kama rais, nitajiuzulu siku hiyo hiyo," he said.
This roughly translates as: "I hear there is a youth called Sonko who wants to be the governor of Nairobi... If Sonko is elected governor and I am elected president then I will resign on that same day."
A recent opinion poll conducted by Trends and Insights For Africa has shown Sonko and Kidero being in a close race without a clear winner.
The poll indicated that the incumbent was ahead of Sonko with a one per cent edge although the tide could change in the few days remaining to the elections.