Uhuru has no favourites, aspirants told

The National Alliance (TNA) party has assured aspirants that its presidential candidate will not interfere with the forthcoming grassroots elections.

Responding to queries raised by various aspirants from Murang’a County, the party said Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta had no preferred candidate.

Participants of a forum at a hotel in Kenol were apprehensive that Mr Kenyatta might sway voters by supporting his preferred candidates during the nominations, locking them out of the race.

Party chairman Jackson Sakaja said TNA would ensure a level playing ground for all aspirants seeking nominations and positions countrywide.

Direct nominations

“Our presidential candidate is not supporting anyone and does not have any favourites in our forthcoming nomination process,” said Mr Sakaja, stressing that there would not be direct nominations.

He asked those seeking positions on the party’s ticket to woo voters without invoking Mr Kenyatta’s name.

The party also assured them that while its nomination process would be free and fair, losers would be given other roles at the county level.

Participants, including Nairobi Metropolitan minister Jamleck Kamau, Mathioya MP Clement Wambugu and aspirants eyeing various seats asked the party to open a local office.

“TNA should open an office for Murang’a County with Uhuru as the chief guest,” said Mr Kamau, who is also the Kigumo MP.