BBC News Online: Despatches

Female candidate on Kenyan campaign trail

Official campaigning in Kenya begins this week ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections on December 29, though the presidential challengers to President Moi, who handed in their nomination papers last week, are already well into their campaign trails. Charity Ngilu is one of two female presidential candidates. Her home territory is Kenya's Eastern province and there is speculation that she could force President Moi to a second round run-off. Our East Africa correspondent, Cathy Jenkins, follows her on her campaign trail and sent this report:

The nomination papers have only just been submitted, but Charity Ngilu is well into her presidential campaign. She commands with ease the attention of supporters who crowd round her for an impromptu rally and her set speech is delivered with a warmth which draws ready applause.

But this is Kitui, Mrs Ngilu's home patch, and it is hard to find anyone who will speak against her. As the small convoy bumps its way on unmade roads around town, the crowds follow her, singing and chanting.

Mrs Ngilu says she appeals to both male and female voters because she is consciously cutting across the tribal loyalties which are so divisive in Kenyan politics. She also says that her anti-corruption stance will win her many votes.

Mrs Ngilu has certainly made an impact on Kenya's political scene and part of this is due to the fact that she is not tainted with the stigma of corruption which hangs over some political figures. But her presence is also leading Kenyans to speculate that President Moi might have a difficult election ride.

In order to win the presidency in the first round a candidate has to gain 25% of the vote in five of Kenya's eight provinces. If Charity Ngilu does win in her home Eastern province, she could cause President Moi problems.

But a second-round ballot for the presidency would be uncharted territory for Kenya and no-one can really say whether the support voiced for Charity Ngilu will translate into votes on polling day.

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