Governor Samboja says he has not decamped to Jubilee Party

Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja (left) and his wife Stella during a church service at Mwakishimba ACK church on October 8, 2017. The governor has refuted claims of ditching Wiper Party for Jubilee. PHOTO | BRIAN OCHARO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Nasa politicians have accused the governor of showing lukewarm support to the coalition by failing to attend meetings or political rallies organised by the leaders.

  • Last week when Nasa elected leaders led by Senator Johnes Mwaruma held a series of rallies to drum up support for presidential candidate Raila Odinga, Mr Samboja was conspicuously missing.

  • The leaders have questioned Mr Samboja’s loyalty to the Opposition coalition that helped him clinch the seat in the August 8 polls.

Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja has denied decamping from Wiper to Jubilee Party.

Speaking during a church service on Sunday, the Taita Taveta County boss termed as propaganda, claims by some Nasa leaders that he had switched parties.

“I am shocked that some politicians are abusing me behind my back and yet I have not spoken a word. Are they scared of me?” the governor asked.

Samboja told the congregation that some elected leaders from National Super Alliance (Nasa) affiliate parties have been accusing him of showing lukewarm support to the coalition by absconding their political meetings.

POLITICAL RALLIES

“I want to make it clear that this is not a time for political rallies. I have a bigger role of delivering on my campaign pledges of building this county,” he said.

Last week, as Nasa elected leaders led by Senator Johnes Mwaruma held a series of rallies to drum up support for presidential candidate Raila Odinga, Mr Samboja was conspicuously missing.

The leaders have questioned Mr Samboja’s loyalty to the Opposition coalition that helped him clinch the seat in the August 8 polls.

CONCERNS

During a fund raiser organised in Voi town to support Nasa’s activities in the county, the Nasa leaders accused Governor Samboja of absconding the meeting.

The leaders said that since his election, Governor Samboja has not publicly campaigned for Mr Odinga.

“He (Samboja) has remained silent. We wonder why he is no longer interested in supporting the coalition whose popularity helped him ascend to the position,” a local leader who sought anonymity told the Nation

On leader alleged ‘rumours’ said that the county boss has held several meetings with President Kenyatta at undisclosed hotels within the county.

SOILING NAME

The furious county boss warned the leaders against soiling his name saying that he was more concerned with improving the living standards of the residents who employed him on August 8.

The governor said he was not concerned about party politics but instead had a duty to bring development and ensure proper service delivery to the residents.

 “I don’t want the politics concerning the repeat presidential polls slated for October 26 divide us, vote for your preferred candidate peacefully without attacking anyone. Let’s maintain peace,” he said

The county boss warned political rivals to conduct their campaigns peacefully without dragging his name in their political events.

VOTE

Leaders present during the church service included Assembly Speaker Meshack Maghanga and Majority leader Jason Tuja and former Wundanyi MP Mwandawiro Mghanga.

 Mghanga who is also the Social Democratic Party National chairman appealed to the residents to vote wisely in the coming presidential repeat polls.

 “I am one of those detained when trying to fight for democracy in this country,” he said

The former MP lost the Wundanyi Parliamentary seat in the August polls to youthful Danson Mwashako of Wiper Party.

Mr Mghanga declared his support for Mr Kenyatta in the repeat polls on grounds that he had impressive development record.

The Assembly Speaker called on residents to put aside their political differences and unite for the sake of developing the country.