Caption: Mwingi Central MP, Joe Mutambu (center), Kangundo parliamentary aspirant Rose Wambua (right) and Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka at a public rally in Kangundo. Photo:James M/hivisasa.com
Ukambani region is no longer an opposition stronghold but an outright battle ground for swing vote, local MPs alled to Jubilee Party have declared.
Led by Machakos Town legislator, Victor Munyaka, the MPs who include Joe Mutambu (Mwingi Central), Richard Makenga (Kaiti) Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South), John Munuve (Mwingi North) and Regina Ndambuki (Kilome) declared the ruling party will garner over 60% of presidential vote in August 8, general election.
The legislators have been holding political rallies across Ukambani and urging locals to back President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election in the forthcoming polls, saying his government had initiated mega development projects in Ukambani.
"We are confident that Uhuru and Ruto will garner over 60% of votes in Ukambani, going by the performance of Jubilee Government in the past four years in power," declared Munyaka.
The MPs toured Kangundo, Kathiani, Matungulu and Machakos Town constituencies where they also drummed up support for JP parliamentary aspirants.
The leaders urged the Kamba community to ignore the temptation to vote for the opposition, saying the (opposition) alliance would deny Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka the chance to fly the presidential ticket.
"We know that NASA will not grant Kalonzo the ticket, but are only interested in buying time in order to deceive the Wiper leader politically. Kalonzo should therefore read the signs early enough and pull out of the coalition," said Mutambu.
At a rally in Kangundo town, parliamentary aspirant on JP ticket, Rose Wambua urged voters to vote for her not because she is a woman, but because she had what it takes to represent the constituents.
"My desire is to ensure residents of Kangundo get access to better services and more vibrant representation at the national assembly," she said.