I’m not leaving Jubilee Party, says Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa has denied claims that he intends to ditch the Jubilee Party.

Speaking to Nation.co.ke on Tuesday, Mr Ragwa maintained that he was in Jubilee to stay and was ready to battle it out with other contenders in the party’s nominations for the gubernatorial seat.

“Those thinking that I would fear meeting them in Jubilee nominations should prepare for a big battle,” said Mr Ragwa.

He said he was happy that President Uhuru Kenyatta had made it very clear that there were no preferred candidates in the party and maintained that those interested in the Jubilee ticket would get it from the voters.

The governor said he was aware that his opponents have been wishing that he defect from the President’s party, which is popular in Tharaka-Nithi, so that they could easily beat him in elections.

“I will use [Jubilee Party] to reclaim my seat in 2017,” he said.

CHALLENGED OPPONENTS

He challenged his opponents to concentrate on selling their policies to the electorate rather than banking only on [getting] the Jubilee ticket.

Before the launch of the Jubilee Party, Mr Ragwa had told the Nation that he would not rush into the party until he knew how it would benefit his people.

He had also noted that he would not mind seeking re-election on another smaller party if he sensed lack of transparency in Jubilee.

Others who have announced their interest in the Tharaka-Nithi governor’s seat on the Jubilee Party ticket are Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki and former Nithi MP Petkey Miriti.

Others are former Tharaka MP Francis Kagwima, who will be vying on the Democratic Party ticket, and Kunga Ngece, an independent candidate.

A heated campaign for the Jubilee Party nominations is expected in Tharaka-Nithi, where most of the residents are supporters of Mr Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.