Kidero, Sonko’s jostling for votes intensifies as they ferry fans to Dar for ‘Mashemeji’ derby
The battle for Nairobi’s gubernatorial seat ahead of the August 8 general elections could be fought on land and air this weekend, with the county’s leading candidates unveiling plans to transport hundreds of fans to Tanzania this weekend.
With Kenya’s top two football clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards locking horns in Dar es Salaam in the final of SportPesa Super Cup on Sunday, incumbent Dr Evans Kidero and his closest challenger Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko, seem all to keen to compete for the votes among the football fans.
Meanwhile, Nairobi News has been informed that Kidero has hired several buses to transport 200 football supporters for the approximately 700km trip to Dar for the “Mashemeji Derby”.
This group of diehards was sourced from the respective teams Facebook and WhatsApp groups, and is set to depart Nairobi in batches on Saturday in time for the kick-off at the Uhuru Stadium.
CHARTERED FLIGHT
Nairobi News has also learnt that the outgoing Senator Mike Sonko is in talks with atleast two local airline companies, with a view of hiring a chartered flight to ferry about 150 fans to Dar for the same match.
“Sonko became frustrated when he inquired from a number of bus companies about the travel arrangements, only to be informed that Kidero has leased out almost everything. He (Sonko) also explored ferrying fans via the new Standard Gauge Railway trains to Mombasa, and then by bus to Dar but that idea has several logistical challenges,” our source explained.
“The remaining option being explored is to travel by air on Sunday morning and return on the same day just after the match,” the source said.
The winning team in Sinday’s match will pocket Sh3 million and play English Premier League side Everton in a high profile friendly in July.
