Row over Jubilee ticket for governor race rocks Nyandarua
The entry of former Water CS Sicily Kariuki (left) into the Nyandarua governor’s race has complicated political calculations for Governor Francis Kimemia (right).
Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia failed to secure the Jubilee party ticket on Friday, which was the deadline set by the IEBC, after his opponent Ms Sicily Kariuki stormed the party's headquarters in protest.
Ms Kariuki arrived at the Jubilee offices as the governor was about to receive the nomination certificate from the party's elections director Kanini Kega.
Governor Kimemia's supporters, who camped at the party offices for the better part of the day, claimed that some party officials are opposed to Mr Kimemia getting the nomination certificate. They alleged that the delays and drama on Friday were deliberately stage-managed to deny the county boss the certificate.
"Ms Kariuki arrived shortly before the governor's name was to be called to receive the certificate. We do not understand why there were delays in handing over the nomination certificate. A crisis meeting was convened to settle the issue where she was requested to accept the senatorial certificate but she decline and stormed out of the boardroom," said Godwin Mugo.
Jubile Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said the issue will be addressed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mr Kimemia said he was okay with the decision of the party, adding that he was aware the President was busy with the funeral arrangements of the late President Mwai Kibaki.
"I urge Nyandarua residents to maintain their calm as the matter awaits the President's decision, my supporters have no reason to worry," said Mr Kimemia.
Mr Kimemia, who with his supporters and county cabinet camped at the Jubilee party offices better part of Friday, said he was officially invited to collect the nomination certificate.
"We are optimistic about getting the certificate so that we can hit the ground running. I am confident the Jubilee party will win all seats in Nyandarua, we have the campaign strategy. Some forces are determined to push me to contest as the independent candidate but I belong to Jubilee," said Mr Kimemia.
On Friday evening, Ms Kariuki gave similar assurance to her supporters, confirming that she was at the Jubilee party headquarters.
"The party secretary-general has assured me that the certificate has not been awarded to anyone. They have promised to have the matter addressed soonest, I was there and have confirmed the certificate has not been issued to anyone," said Ms Kariuki.
