MP pokes holes into Marende’s Nairobi governorship bid

Kieni Member of Parliament Kanini Kega has raised suspicion over the interest of former National Assembly Speaker, Kenneth Marende, in Nairobi governorship post.

Marende had on Sunday announced interest in running for the governorship seat, setting up the stage for a battle for the vast Luhya vote in the city.

Speaking at Ngara in Nairobi on Sunday, Marende said: “I feel like there is a pull to do in Nairobi what I did during my time as Speaker of National Assembly. I assure Kenyans and the people of Nairobi that I would work for them.”

Kanini, however, sees Marende’s interest as a plot by a section of Jubilee MPs to divide the Luhya vote in the race for Nairobi’s top seat.

“We know that Marende’s interest in Nairobi governorship race is not genuine. His bid is being pushed by some legislators in Jubilee in a bid to divide the Luhya vote to their advantage,” he said.

“Despite all that, it is evident that Eugene Wamalwa-Margaret Wanjiru team will emerge victorious in the race.”

On Monday, political analysts Martin Andati and Herman Manyora also questioned the motive behind Marende’s aspirations, terming them a plot to ensure Wamalwa’s bid fails.

“I think it is all part of Jubilee politics because you could see the way Waweru welcomed the announcement was not the same as his reaction to Wamalwa’s announcement,” said Manyora.

Andati on his part said: “Coalitions are beginning to develop and this shows rifts in the coalition over who to support for the Nairobi governorship seat.”

“It is also worth noting that Jubilee is trying to look for western votes to ensure it gains momentum in the region in 2017.”

On Tuesday during the 13^th memorial of former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, the Eugene Wamalwa’s camp was optimistic that the Water Cabinet Secretary would clinch the seat in 2017.

Nairobi Women Representative, Rachel Shebesh, called on Nairobi voters to support Wamalwa’s bid to ensure seamless cooperation between the government and the county on development matters.

“If we plan well and get support from the 17 constituencies in Nairobi, we will win almost all the seats in Nairobi,” said Shebesh.

Kanini, in his speech in Kitale said: “Next year, when we come back, we will have Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto as President and Deputy President and Wamalwa as Governor.”

The memorial was also attended by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba among other leaders.

@benjaminwafula