Waititu recruits Governor Issa Timamy to Jubilee

Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu has told Lamu Governor Issa Timamy to ditch United Democratic Party (UDF) for Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP).

Speaking at the Mpeketoni memorial held at Uhuru Park in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, Waititu said that as the first elected MP of JAP he would like the governor to join the party.

“I would like to tell the governor Timamy to join us in JAP,” said Waititu amid wide cheers from the crowd.

Waititu who had been given the first slot left immediately after making his speech.

Governor Timamy, however, steered clear of the issue instead focusing on county matters even as he threw a hint that his government was facing political interference from outside forces.

In a well worded statement, Governor Timamy said that he had forgiven those who orchestrated his arrest last year in connection to insecurity in the county saying he is focused on making the county safe.

“I have forgiven those who orchestrated my arrest last year in connection to insecurity. I know that was done out of spite,” he said.

Timamy’s reign as Lamu Governor has faced serious challenges including nullification of the elections and last year’s controversial arrest.

Title deeds issued in Lamu

In a ruling made on September 2013, Malindi Court nullified Timamy’s election citing mass irregularities and anomalies in the electoral process.

The petition was filed by Timamy’s opponent Fahim Twaha of Jubilee who also ran for the governor seat in the March 4 2013 elections.

The ruling was however overruled by Mombasa Court of Appeal which reinstated Timamy as Lamu governor.

Last year, Timamy was arrested for alleged connection to Mpeketoni attacks that claimed over 60 lives.

Timamy’s arrest sparked outrage within the political circles especially from members of UDF and CORD since Al Shabaab had openly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Before his arrest, President Uhuru Kenyatta had condemned the Mpeketoni attack and said they were as a result of incitement by political leaders over issues of land.

The President then led the issuance of title deed in the county in a bid to cool tension between communities living in the county.

Statements from county leaders and first-hand accounts by residents in Mpeketoni however linked the attack to Al Shabaab.

Timamy is the only person who won a governorship position with UDF party and heads a county dominated by Jubilee and CORD MPs and MCAs.