Chaos fears over Mathare by-election
Mathare residents are uncertain whether the nullification of their MP’s election results is a blessing.
The residents fear that calling for another election would cause a lot of differences because of the ethnic clashes that have been witnessed in the area in the past.
While some raise fears, others feel justice has been served and it was time they elected a leader of their choice.
The Court of Appeal nullified the results of George Wanjohi as MP over IEBC irregularities.
Mathare constituency has six wards: Mlango Kubwa, Huruma, Kiamaiko, Mambati, Hospital, and Ngei with a population of 193,416 people.
Mungai Maina, a resident of Mathare, said it is high time Mathare elected the right candidate if only the IEBC will make it free and fair elections.
“I am sad Wanjohi has been kicked out but I think it was the best decision for the people of Mathare,” he said.
He, however, feared that new projects initiated by the former MP such as the construction of permanent roads through Mlango Kubwa and Mathare slum may be abandoned.
“Wanjohi fought for us to have the roads constructed which would ease access to the slum,” said Maina.
The possibility of skirmishes is alive to Maina: “The dominant political parties here are ODM and TNA. This causes supporters to keep clashing. I am afraid the same thing could happen.”
Another resident Njenga Warui said last year’s elections results announced Mr Steven Kariuki as the winner but how Mr Wanjohi was declared a winner by IEBC still remains a mystery.
“It’s good that Mr Wanjohi’s position has been nullified as this has given us the opportunity to elect the right person,” said Mr Njenga
The residents said they would listen keenly to what aspirants will tell them and will only vote for a person who has their best interests at heart. Fighting insecurity, upgrading of the informal settlement and enabling youth find opportunities will be their score card.
“People are stabbed and robbed by thugs during the day, we want a leader who can assist us bring an end to insecurity,” said Mathew Ouma.
He is hoping for peaceful elections but is wary of the ethnic divide in the constituency.
Kariuki, the eldest son of former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, was declared the winner during last year’s elections with 34,076 votes against Wanjohi’s 32,156 votes.