Joho, Mutua, Kabogo men to beat in governorship races: Poll

By Marie Yambo

A new poll shows that Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Mombasa’s Hassan Joho and Alfred Mutua of Machakos would be easily re-elected if elections were held today.

The poll by Trends & Insights For Africa (TIFA) Research Ltd shows that Joho has 68 per cent support ahead of his challenger Suleiman Shahbal who has 15 per cent.

Mutua of the Maendeleo Chap Chap party enjoys 75 per support in Machakos ahead of his challenger Wavinya Ndeti who has 8 per cent.

In Kiambu, Kabogo is leading with 46 per cent ahead of Ferdinand Waititu at 33 per cent.

Elsewhere, president Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto are on a two-day tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties to launch development projects as they also hunt for votes ahead of the August general elections.

The president and the DP are expected to visit Nyamira, where he is expected to launch projects and address rallies at Magwagwa, Ikonge, Ekerenyo, Nyamira, Nyambaria and Nyansiongo.

On Wednesday, the President will take his campaigns to Kisii County, a major ODM stronghold.

Meanwhile a cross section of Kisii county leaders have condemned alleged incitement by some of their colleagues ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit. The leaders led by Kisii county governor, James Ongwae and area MCAs say they will not stand and watch as a few people cause chaos that might bring insecurity in the area.

Some legislators are alleged to have asked motorcycle operators to forcefully use a section of the road cordoned off for use by the president’s motorcade.

The operators reportedly descended on Mashauri- CBD section of Kisii town, pulling down bill boards and engaging police and county enforcement officers manning the barrier.

Wilfred Orechi, the leader of the motorcycle operators told the politicians to stop misusing the youth to cause mayhem during the impending elections.

He advised the operators to respect the leaders without discrimination.