Aspirants call for free and fair Jubilee primaries in Machakos

Personnel loading voting materials into trucks to be transported to various centers at Jubilee Party headquarters in Pangani, Nairobi, on April 23, 2017. PHOTO DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Muia accused some of the officials of interfering with the county’s elections board and intimidating Member of County Assembly aspirants.

A section of Jubilee Party aspirants from Machakos have accused the county’s secretariat of favouring certain candidates ahead of the nominations set for Tuesday.

The 15 aspirants led by Machakos governorship aspirant Mr Lemi Muia alleged that some of the party officials in the county have preferred candidates who have been assured of Jubilee Party nomination certificates.

“We have a problem with the (Jubilee Party) secretariat in Machakos. There are rumours that they have already picked names of those who will be given certificates,” said Mr Muia on Sunday.

Mr Muia accused some of the officials of interfering with the county’s elections board and intimidating Member of County Assembly (MCA) aspirants.

He alleged that some officials in the secretariat have been openly campaigning for some gubernatorial candidates.

INTIMIDATING ASPIRANTS

“We have noted with concern that some officials of the Jubilee Party secretariat are intimidating aspiring MCAs,” he said.

Ms Frida Wendo, an MCA aspirant for Matugulu West Ward accused former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile who is now vying for Mavoko Constituency seat, of trying to convince other leaders to support him in ensuring that only 'preferred' candidates in Machakos County are given nomination certificates.

“We know that there are able contestants in Mavoko Constituency who are vying on the same ticket with Mr Kalembe Ndile, therefore he should not say that there is no nomination because the ladies have equally worked hard and have massive support on the ground,” said Ms Wendo.

FEAR NOMINATIONS

She called for free and fair nominations saying that those who genuinely support Jubilee Party should not fear nominations but instead should come out and face the voters.

“The Jubilee director of elections should clarify to all aspirants whether the party won't have nominations in Machakos County. When officials we elected to represent us are giving conflicting information, then it is raising eyebrows,” she said.

Other aspirants who called for free and fair Jubilee Party nominations are Samson Ngila (Kithimani Ward) and James Karanja of Athi River Ward.