The campaign tracker today: 09-03-2017
Man wants Ford Kenya dissolved
5.15pm
A Ford Kenya official has written to the Registrar of Political Parties calling for the party's dissolution.
Lupesia Komesa, who says he is Nairobi County chairman, argues that the party has not held elections after the term of current office holders expired in June 2016.
Mr Komesa says that the current officials are in office illegally.
He said even after calls to Mr Wetang’ula and a reminder that elections should be held, nothing has been done.
But the party has dismissed his sentiments, saying he is no longer an official.
“The national governing council ratified the postponement of elections for the officials till after the general election.” – Eseli Simiyu, party secretary general
Wamathai to defend Nyeri County seat
12.42pm
Nyeri Governor Samuel Wamathai has said he will defend the seat in the August general election.
He took over after the death of his predecessor Nderitu Gachagua under whom he served as deputy.
Mr Wamathai says he will vie for the seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.
He vowed to implement development programmes started by Mr Gachagua.
Mr Wamathai said he is yet to identify his running mate and that he is ready to face other candidates for the seat.
“I am not fearing other candidates. Men’s character is to meet in the field and face each other. Nobody is carrying a child (on his back) and I am capable of winning the seat,” – Mr Wamathai.
Uhuru, Ruto on Coast tour
7.20am
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto will today tour the coastal counties of Lamu and Kilifi to commission various development projects as they continue to woo the region seen as an opposition stronghold, to support Jubilee.
President Kenyatta and his deputy will make a stop at Witu in Lamu before proceeding to Malindi.
Lamu Governor Lamu Issa Timamy, though elected on a UDF ticket that folded to form the Jubilee Party, defected to Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress last year.
His Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi, an unflinching Raila Odinga and ODM supporter, has vowed to lock Jubilee out of the county in the August 8 election.
President Kenyatta’s Coast tour comes a day after his visit to Turkana, where he was received by Governor Josphat Nanok, the national vice chairman.
Wetang’ula to receive defectors
Meanwhile, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula and his deputy Boni Khalwale will this morning at 9am receive defectors at the party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
Mr Wetang’ula is seeking to have Nasa leaders Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka back him to contest as the coalition’s presidential candidate.
Tifa to release poll results
At the same time, the Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) will today release results of an opinion poll on candidates for governor, senator and women representatives for Bomet, Nandi, Siaya and Murang’a counties.
In Bomet, Governor Isaac Ruto is facing tough opposition from National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso and former Konoin MP Julius Kones while in Nandi, former minister Henry Kosgei and Senator Stephen Sang’ are among those angling to dethrone Governor Cleophas Lagat.
In Murang’a, Governor Mwangi wa Iria is facing Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau while in Siaya Governor Rasanga will be battling it out with Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo.
Additional reporting: Joseph Wangui
