Sonko-Igathe Rock Nairobi

After a brief lull that they describe as a “strategic holdout,” the Sonko-Igathe duo swung into action last week touring different parts of the city in a move that reminded their rivals of their political wattage. Polycarp Igathe who has quickly learned the ropes of the political theater scoured Gikomba market where his message of creating new market spaces resonated well with the traders. His inclusion in the ticket seems to have sealed the deal as far as the GEMA vote is concerned. He has become the most visible Kikuyu in the Nairobi gubernatorial race and the fact that he exudes genuine warmth when interacting with Nairobians has made it easy for him to add value to the ticket. Unlike the stiff, out-of-touch, and patronizing demeanor of Peter Kenneth that makes him extremely unlikeable, Polycarp Igathe is at ease, simple, and ready to burst into a genuine laughter.
On his part, Sonko combed through Roysambu, Kasarani, Ruaraka, and the larger Embakasi where he did what “he does best,” to quote Eric Omwenga, a political scientist who is keenly monitoring the Nairobi County gubernatorial contest. “Sonko is a tremendously talented ground mobilizer whose gifts even President Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto have been utilizing for a long time. He is arguably the best mobilizer alive today if you look at politicians in his age bracket,” the analyst added.
Sonko got more than 800,000 votes during the 2013 senatorial contest beating Bishop Margaret Wanjiru by more than 300,000 votes. Sonko managed to get nearly 100% of the Kikuyu vote, a feat he replicated by beating Peter Kenneth in the Jubilee nominations to win the coveted Jubilee ticket.
Political observers note that Sonko is one of the politicians in the country who will need a small amount of money to win in the coming elections because of the investment he has made among the people of Nairobi County.
As the campaigns head into the home stretch, it remains to be seen whether the “Sonko-Igathe dynamic duo” as their fans call them, can floor the incumbent who they accuse of gross incompetence and grand corruption.

By Danson Mureithi