More on KentOnline
Shadow secretary of state for justice Sadiq Khan criticised opponents' rhetoric around immigration in a visit to Rochester and Strood.
Mr Khan joined Labour candidate Naushabah Khan on the campaign trail, visiting an Afghan community centre in Medway.
Speaking to KMTV he said: "My nervousness is around some of the language used by some of our opponents.
"Firstly it's a proxy for other issues. People have concerns about their job, the standard of living, the NHS, and the impression is given that the fault of all of this is immigration.
"My concern is that some of the great work in the communities is being put at risk."
Ms Khan also had strong words for two of her rivals, Ukip's Mark Reckless and Conservative Kelly Tolhurst.
She accused both of failing to come out in support of Labour's anti-NHS privitisation bill, due to go before parliament on November 21, the day after the Rochester and Strood by-election.
Video: Sadiq Khan joins Naushabah Khan on campaign trail
The bill, tabled by Labour MP Clive Efford, aims to reverse privitisation measures currently in place, most notably section 75, which requires that all NHS contracts are open to competitive tender.
It would also prevent NHS hospitals from earning up to 49% of their income by treating private patients.
Stories you might have missed
Suspected illegal immigrants found in lorry
Tributes after sudden death of music lover
Grandmother gets first tattoo on 90th birthday
Ex-soldier’s 17-hour wait for police after knife attack