Jubilee aspirants form bloc, warn against unfair primaries

Jubilee Party aspirants (JP) in Marsabit, Tana River and Isiolo counties have joined hands and formed a political bloc dubbed “TEAM” as they warned party leadership against imposing candidates on voters.

Speaking at a rally when he launched his bid for the Marsabit gubernatorial seat, former National Hospital Insurance Fund Chairman Mohamud Ali said that TEAM is meant to bring the government closer to the people.

Speaking at the same function, area Senator Harugura Godana threw his weight behind Mr Mohamud.

The aspirants warned President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto against interfering with county politics.

Mr Mohamud said the JP leadership should be notified that locals have the right to vote their choice of leaders.

“The President must be aware that this region is full of his supporters but he and his deputy should keep off local politics,” Mr Mohamud said.

They also warned against unfair nominations.

He claimed that Marsabit Governor Ukur Yattani has been attending meetings with the President and his deputy in a bid to join JP as elections approach.

He said he and his team are JP members and founders of the party in Marsabit, “thus are not afraid of intruders”.

“If they want to join JP, let them come through the right path instead of trying to use the backdoor. We will gladly welcome them and meet them in the nominations. We are not afraid because we believe the people have voice,” Mr Mohamud added.

Mr Mohamud’s running mate Solomon Bubo said that it is time to take home leaders who have slept on their job in the past four years.

VOICE OF REASON
The rally was attended by Isiolo Woman Rep Tiya Galgalo, Isiolo South MP Abdulahi Banticha, Saku MP Dido Ali Rasso and Marsabit County assembly Speaker Matthew Loltome among others.

Bura (Tana River) MP Ali Wario said that if JP does not go with the peoples’ choice, all other aspirants from “TEAM” counties will desert the party.

He said that people have the power to choose what kind of leadership they want.

“Every Kenyan citizen is important and every vote is a voice of reason into bringing to office better leadership. We will not stand any unfair nominations,” Mr Wario said.

Mr Mohamud said that he and his counterparts are a symbol of unity for all tribes living across the county.

He accused the current county administration of looting public funds.

“We are only against the kind of leadership that we see. We cannot have in office people who only serve their personal interests and are like baskets that do not get full,” he said.

GOVERNMENT FOR ALL

Mr Godana said he and Governor Yattani had disagreed on the kind of leadership and services to offer to the Marsabit residents.

“The governor and I assumed office in 2013 as elected leaders but the fact is that after some time we differed in the way of leadership,” Mr Godana said.

He accused the governor of only caring about his personal interests.

“People seek political seats for various reasons. I realised that my colleague and I did not have the same vision for the people of Marsabit,” Mr Godana added.

The senator further pointed out that TEAM has come together to build a government that will serve all residents freely and fairly.

He also warned against imposing candidates on voters.

“Citizens have votes which are their voice. Therefore, their decisions must be respected and nobody should interfere with party nominations."