I am not guaranteed President Uhuru’s vote – Moses Kuria

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has said that there will be no ‘sacred cows’ during Jubilee Party nominations.

Speaking at Kibingoti ACK Church in Kirinyaga on Sunday, Kuria said that every aspirant in Jubilee would need to hunt for votes, adding that no one will receive preferential treatment from party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Jubilee’s nomination process will be handled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) signifying that there will be no favouritism,” he said.

“Even though I am President Kenyatta’s Member of Parliament in Gatundu South, I am not assured of his vote. Just like anyone else, I will have to go to him and ask for his vote with the hope that he will give it to me.”

He warned Kirinyaga residents against falling prey to individuals who claim to have the endorsement of President Kenyatta saying the only person who enjoys such backing is the county commissioner.

“No one should come here and tell you they have been sent by President Kenyatta; the only one who enjoys such privilege is the county commissioner.”

“I will go to Gatundu South and seek for votes together with anyone else who is interested in my seat and allow the people to choose.”

Kuria’s utterances come amid growing concern in Jubilee Party over the fairness of the nomination process.

The disquiet within the party emerged after reports emerged that Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa had the backing of President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto to run for the Nairobi governorship race.

The president and his deputy however refuted the claims saying they had no powers to impose a candidate on Kenyans.

“We do not have the powers to endorse a particular candidate for any seat in the country. As Jubilee we will have a nomination process conducted by IEBC and let the people decide,” President Kenyatta had said when he announced the formation of Jubilee Party at State House in August.

Kuria’s utterances were supported by Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi and Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu who were also present at the service.

@benjaminwafula