We have moles in Jubilee, MP claims

Kieni MP Kanini Kega has claimed that there are political leaders within Jubilee who are campaigning for the party’s opponents in the Nairobi governorship race.

Kega said that some of the voices of dissent in the Jubilee camp over Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa’s interest in Nairobi governor seat were of individuals scheming on how to ensure CORD’s candidate Evans Kidero is reelected.

“Not everyone who is in Jubilee wants the party to succeed in the Nairobi governorship race. Some individuals are setting other leaders up for failure so that Kidero is reelected, just for their own selfish interest,” said Kega during an interview with Citizen Digital.

“Jubilee is embracing everyone and even the president and the deputy president have said that the house is big enough to accommodate everyone regardless of their tribe,” he said.

He further noted that the entry of Wamalwa in the race for Nairobi governorship would help increase support for the party outside its strongholds and improve numbers in the county assembly.

“CORD currently has more MCAs in the County Assembly than Jubilee and we believe that the entry of Eugene Wamalwa is aimed at helping us to win over some seats to Jubilee,” he added.

The MP further noted that his support for Eugene was a personal decision and not an endorsement or an imposition on the rest of the party.

“It is surprising that whenever I mention the name of Eugene Wamalwa it is said that I am endorsing him, yet I don’t even have the power to endorse anyone,” he said.

“Any Kenyan should be allowed to vie for any seat anywhere in the country without restrictions.  I however believe Wamalwa is the best choice for Nairobi because he is a proven performer,” he added.

There has been disgruntlement within Jubilee in the last weeks after reports indicated the Deputy President William Ruto has orchestrating a plan to have Wamalwa get a direct Jubilee ticket for Nairobi governorship.

In a speech at State House during a Jubilee Party meeting, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that neither him nor his deputy William Ruto had endorsed anyone for the seat, adding that only the party officials and supporters have the powers to choice their aspirants.

Apart from Kega, other MPs who have expressed their support for Wamalwa include Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete), Jude Njomo (Kiambu) and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East).

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and his Vihiga counterpart Moses Akaranga are the two governors who have voiced their support for Wamalwa, with Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba, John Waluke (Sirisia), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Ayub Savula (Lugari), Wafula Lazaro (Saboti), Trans Nzoia Women Representative Janet Nangabo and her Bungoma counterpart Reginalda Wanyonyi also on board.

Several Nairobi MPs have however voiced their objection on the issue with MPs John Njoroge (Kasarani), James Gakuya (Embakasi North) and Ben Mutura (Makadara) terming the support by a section of Jubilee MPs for Wamalwa as inconsequential.

@benjaminwafula