Tharaka-Nithi candidates clash ahead of Uhuru's campaign tour

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa who is seeking re-election on a Narc Kenya ticket. He has insisted, together with other candidates from parties friendly to Jubilee, that they will attend Uhuru Kenyatta's meeting as he takes his campaign tour of the county. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Governor Ragwa dismissed claims that the President’s tour will be a Jubilee Party affair.
  • Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki said candidates from friendly parties should not expect recognition.
  • Mr Mbabu of Maendeleo Chap Chap claimed out that Jubilee leaders are only seeking endorsement from the President

Candidates from parties friendly to Jubilee in Tharaka-Nithi led by Governor Samuel Ragwa have clashed with Jubilee leaders ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tour of the county today.

In a statement to media houses by his communication director, Mr Kaunda Muchunku, Governor Ragwa dismissed claims by Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki that the President’s tour will be a Jubilee Party affair and candidates from other friendly parties should not expect recognition.

He stated that he must attend the President’s function as the governor and the fact that his party supports the re-election of Mr Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

“Mr Kenyatta is the President of all Kenyans and if he wanted to meet Jubilee Party candidates he would have met them in Nairobi secretly,” said Mr Ragwa.

DRESS CODE

He said it is unfortunate for local Jubilee leaders to categorically state that anyone attending the meeting should be dressed in red or keep off.

Speaking to Nation by phone, Maendeleo Chap Chap Senate candidate Kiambi Matanka said the President welcomes everyone’s support in order to win in the August 8 polls and noted that he will accompany him throughout the tour.

He said their Jubilee counterparts are trying to hide the truth on the ground by trying to keep them off.

“We are happy that Mr Kenyatta will tomorrow (Tuesday) know the will of the people,” said Mr Matanka.

ENDORSEMENT

Mr John Mbabu, the Maendeleo Chap Chap candidate for Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency seat, claimed out that Jubilee leaders are only seeking endorsement from the President by trying to keep others off.

In a press conference in his office in Chuka Town last week, MP Njuki said the meeting will be purely a Jubilee affair and warned other candidates from other parties against intruding.

“The President will be coming as Jubilee Party leader and members of other friendly parties should clearly know this,” said Mr Njuki.

He added that only those dressed in red will be allowed in the meeting and warned locals against dressing in colours of any other party.

Mr Kenyatta is likely to face rebellion in case he endorses Mr Njuki for governor or Prof Kindiki for senator as their competitors also commands huge support.

Residents, who spoke to Nation also expressed concerns that endorsing some leaders may cost Mr Kenyatta some votes.