This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
As the Ganda ward by-election approaches, incumbent MP Aisha Jumwa is facing stiff competition from ODM candidate Reuben Katana. A survey conducted in the ward last week revealed that ODM is the party of choice, with Katana leading by 57%.
Despite the odds, Jumwa is not giving up. She has vowed to grab the seat through an independent candidate, Abdulrahaman Omar. However, her efforts seem to be in vain, as Katana's campaign is gaining momentum.
ODM officials, including former Malindi MP Willy Mtengo, have been making door-to-door campaigns in the ward, pushing for Katana's victory. Mtengo's efforts are being supported by other ODM officials, who are working tirelessly to ensure Katana's win.
On the other hand, Jumwa has been avoiding public rallies and instead addressing delegations at her Kakuyuni home, pleading with voters to consider her candidate. However, her efforts seem to be falling on deaf ears, as the ODM candidate remains the favorite to win.
According to an opinion poll commissioned by Jumwa's team, Katana is leading with 57%, followed by Omar with 40%. The poll was seen by Weekly Citizen.
Meanwhile, Kilifi governor Amason Kingi has given the campaigns a wide berth, leaving his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho in total confusion. Joho has restrained from entering the campaign trail without Kingi's advice.
However, Joho is being represented by his deputy William Kingi and adviser Rashid Bedzimba, who are working to portray the Mijikenda face as opposed to Swahili and Arab, which Jumwa is trying to capitalize on.
On October 17, the by-election will take place, with ODM party leader Raila Odinga expected to campaign for Katana in the last week towards the election.
