The contest is expected to be neck and neck.

The violence took place when Maalim’s convoy was snaking through Garissa. He was thanking supporters after he received the ticket.

Duale supporters shouted down Maalim’s supporters who retaliated.A melee ensued. Speaking to the press in his office, Garissa police boss Aron Moriasi told aspirants to warn their supporters against violence in the run-up to the August 8 vote. He said police will ensure peace during and after polls.

"We want aspirants take the lead in security. But we will not allow their supporters to engage in hooliganisms,” Moriasi said.