Nairobi — Jostling for mayoral positions in Kenya's towns has started in earnest after Local Government Minister Uhuru Kenyatta announced dates for the elections.

In Mombasa, the battle for the seat has intensified, with ODM Pentagon member Najib Balala's camp preparing to square up with that of Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho.

Since Tuesday a group of 19 councillors allied to Mr Balala's camp have already gone into hiding while the rest were hoping to join a candidate Mr Joho chooses to support.

Frere Town councillor John Mcharo, who publicly announced his interest in the seat on Tuesday, said he is in Mr Balala's camp.

He said the group was in a meeting to work out the way forward. He indicated that their camp had 21 elected councillors, but declined to give their names or where they were hiding.

King'orani councillor Asha Mohamed said she was not in any camp at the moment, adding that she will decide who to vote for on February 25.

"I do not see the need of going into hiding because I know who I will vote for without being influenced by anybody. It is my democratic right to vote for the candidate of my choice," she said.

Taken sides

Some Mombasa tycoons are said to have already taken sides, with some supporting Mr Balala's camp, and others backing Mr Joho's camp.

Mombasa Town Clerk Wisdom Mwamburi said he was now waiting for the circular from the Ministry of Local Government so as to prepare for the February 25 poll.

In Kisii, three former mayors announced their candidature for the seat Friday.

The former mayors seeking the seat are Mr Sam Nyangeso of Narc Kenya, Mr Samuel Omwando of ODM and Mr Monyenye Yoge of Ford People.

Two newcomers Jane Justine and Mr Patrick Siro are also contesting the seat.

At the Gusii County Council, youthful Ben Makori has declared his candidature for the post of chairman.

At Nyansiongo Town Council, Councillor Dennis Rosana is seeking the chairmanship.

In Kisumu, a row is brewing among the councillors over who to back for the mayoral seat. While one group says they would support one of their own, some say they had a pre-election pact in which a nominated councillor was supposed to be supported for the mayoral seat.

One of the people who were earmarked for nomination, who sought to remain anonymous, said the people who usually go through the civic election process do not necessarily posses the managerial potential to develop councils.

He said Kisumu required a person with a track record, who can position it as a suitable investment destination.