Nairobi — Political parties are gearing up for titanic battles as by-elections for the Makadara and Starehe parliamentary seats scheduled for September 20 draw near.

The campaigns, involving almost all the former rivals of the 2007 elections, have been marred by violence in Makadara.

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission last Thursday summoned the nine candidates following complaints from PNU's Dick Wathika.

"We are happy that since then things have calmed down. No incident has been reported to us after talking with the candidates," Makadara returning officer Florence Kwamboka said on Sunday.

In Starehe, deputy returning officer Mumina Bonaya said there had been no reports of malpractices. Seven candidates are vying for the Starehe seat.

On Sunday, ODM executive officer Janet Ongera said the party had already started campaigns to reclaim the Makadara seat, which was held by its deputy organising secretary, Mr Reuben Ndolo, before the 2007 elections.

Mr Wathika had been declared the winner of the poll but lost the seat following an election petition. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru had been declared the winner in Starehe, but this was also nullified following a petition.

Ms Ongera said that Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is the ODM party leader, would feature in the campaigns. PNU executive officer Jasper Nyamboga said the party was yet to roll out campaigns but would do so this week.

Asked if President Kibaki, who is the party leader, would join the campaigns, Mr Nyamboga said: "It will depend on the situation."

Narc-Kenya candidate in Makadara Mike "Sonko" Mbuvi said he was focusing on youth unemployment and women projects.

Ms Lindy Wafula, who is vying for the same seat on a Nuru Party ticket, also said she was focusing her campaigns on women and the youth.

Other candidates in Makadara are Joshua Kitivi of ODM Kenya, Stella Mbai (Ford People) and Consolata Kivuti (United Democratic Movement).

In Starehe, Bishop Wanjiru and Mr Kamanda are competing against John Kagimbi (Safina), Jackson Mwangi (Narc-K), Stephen Nyagah (Peoples Patriotic Party), John Opoth (Social Democratic Party) and David Nganga Wakahiu (National Patriotic Party).