[(R-L) Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, opposition leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi.] (the-star.co.ke)A tight race is expected in Wajir County between opposition leader Raila Odinga’s NASA affiliate parties and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.

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ODM has been working hard to remain under control in Wajir after Jubilee Party-sponsored aspirants eyeing various political seats cruised unopposed during JP’s nominations.

Among those handed direct nomination certificates by JP included MPs elected on an ODM ticket in 2013.

Jubilee Party conducted peaceful nominations with officials ready to take on the opposition NASA during the August 8 polls. Most Jubilee aspirants according to JP County chairman Mohamed Mohamud were picked on a negotiated democracy plan.

According to Mohamud, weak candidates were compelled to step down for contenders believed to be strong enough to wrestle those fielded by NASA.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi will face off with Mohamed Abdi (Jubilee Party).

Others in the race to elbow out governor Abdullahi include Ahmed Muhumed (Party of Development and Reforms), Salah Abdi Sheikh (Third Way Alliance Party) and Osman Warfa (Alliance for Real Party of Kenya).

Longtime ODM legislator Aden Keynan (Aldas) was handed the JP certificate to defend his seat and will vie against Boray Arale (Ford Kenya).

A tight race was expected in Wajir North between incumbent Saney Abdi and Mahad Mohamud before Mr Abdi was handed the JP certificate at the eleventh hour.

In Wajir South, Ali Muktar and Muhamud Surat stepped down for Mohamed Mohamud Sheikh.