In Westlands, the race to succeed incumbent Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi continues to heat up as aspirants from various political factions declare interest in the seat.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi is among the aspirants eyeing the parliamentary seat, and according to media reports, has been considered a favourite.
However, Havi who has since joined Deputy President William Ruto-led UDA Party faces stiff competition from fellow party member Brian Mwema.
File image of LSK President Nelson Havi (right), Senator Millicent Omanga (2nd right) and Westlands parliamentary aspirant Brian Mwema (2nd left). |Courtesy| Twitter|
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The 29-year-old businessman has since declared his candidature for the Westlands parliamentary seat and exudes confidence that he is best placed to clinch the sit in August 2022.
Speaking to Nairobileo.co.ke, Mwema stated that he has been on the ground interacting with constituents of Westlands and understands their needs.
"I have been campaigning vigorously the last few months and next year we take the campaigns a notch higher I am not seeing any other possibility but to win. The people have said Kijana Mwema Maisha Mema," he stated.
In recent weeks, members of the UDA party have expressed fears that the nominations may not be free and fair, with allegations peddled indicating that some candidates may be favoured in the process.
However, Mwema is confident that the process will be fair and expects members of the public to turn in large numbers to support his bid.
"I expect a very high turn out on the day of nominations as we as UDA leaders have been registering party members at such a high rate we are currently at around 19000 strong.
"The party has promised free and fair elections therefore I expect a very heated contest," he said.
This is expected to set the stage for a hot contest for the UDA party ticket with both aspirants expecting their supporters to turn up and support their candidature.
Collage image of Brian Mwema. |Photo| Courtesy|
Over the years we have seen politicians walk out of parties over alleged favouritism in nominations or vie as independent candidates following a party primaries loss, and in this instance, the question of compromise arises between Havi and Mwema.
Speaking to our news desk, Mwema stated that UDA as a party is focused on winning at all levels from the MMA to the Presidency, and this has to be achieved by fielding the most popular candidates.
He noted that all party members are in agreement that they will support each other's candidature in the eventuality of the nominations.
Though he is confident about being the most popular candidate in Westlands, Mwema revealed that he is open to working with Havi to advance the agenda of the party.
"As UDA Members we promised that if one doesn't win the party nominations opportunities are still bountiful at the party and our pledge was to keep working and campaigning for the party even after," he stated.
"That being said my brother Havi said he will work with me to ensure we deliver Westlands( Presidential, governor, senator, Parliamentary and MCA) seats to UDA," Mwema added.
Havi has over the recent months traversed Westlands engaging with the 'common Mwananchi' at the ground as he positions himself for the race to parliament.
