Seven Kabete parliamentary candidates yesterday engaged in a heated public debate on how they intend to develope the constituency.

The debate, held at Kabete Stadium, was attended by outgoing Kikuyu MP Lewis Nguyai, who is vying for the seat on a Narc ticket, James Wanjohi (Pick), Gabriel Gathungu (Agano), Charle Maina (Safina) and Samuel Ng'ang'a (DP).

Independent candidates Moses Muchiri and Stanley Kamau also graced the event that was organised by civic education coordinators and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

However, TNA candidate George Muchai, who is Cotu's deputy secretary general, skipped the meeting. The seven candidates tried to outwit each other on who is more qualified and experienced for the seat and whose manifesto is better.

Nguyai said he has used the Constituency Development Fund to improve education, repair roads and to improve security.

"Our schools have enjoyed the best facilities. Women can now transport their produce to the Gikomba Food market in Nairobi with ease," he said.

"I used the CDF to built police posts in every location. Five years ago, a week could hardly pass without a burial of someone killed in a robbery."

Maina said he will use his experience as a lawyer to fight for the rights of the less privileged in the constituency. He however said he supports Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta, even though Paul Muite, the Safina leader, is also running for the top seat.

On his part, Wanjohi pledged to build a food market in Wangige and to push for subsidised seeds and fertilisers. "My wife and I bought land worth Sh6.5 million which we donated to the youth to help them generate income," said Wanjohi. The candidates promised to conduct their campaigns peacefully.