Leaders clamour for top appointments under Jubilee

The change of tack in campaigning by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto where they are receiving delegations in addition to addressing rallies in the counties has opened a window for leaders to canvass for appointments if Jubilee wins on October 17.

The president has so far hosted delegations from Gusii, Western and Ukambani at State House, all pledging to support his bid to recapture power.

At stake are positions for cabinet secretary, principal secretary, parastatal chiefs, ambassadors as well as chairpersons for various boards across state parastatals.

Even so, the president and his deputy must factor in regional and gender balance, competence and political considerations as they dish out these positions.

LUHYA NATION

Sources in government intimated that in the event President Kenyatta wins, most Cabinet secretaries will be sent packing and replaced with individuals with a political background.

Last week, more than 30 politicians from the Luhya nation trooped into statehouse each promising numbers for the Jubilee duo.

The leaders visiting State House included Labour Party leader Ababu Namwamba, former Vihiga County Governor Moses Akaranga, former Cabinet ministers Fred Gumo, Noah Wekesa and Chris Okemo and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo among others.

Kakamega and Bungoma counties have already tasted a piece of their share with the Senate  Speaker’s seat going to former Bungoma  Governor Ken Lusaka and Kakamega County getting  the chief whip position in the National Assembly through Mumias East MP Ben Washiali.

MORE APPOINTMENTS

Kimilili MP Dimas Wekesa said the region is eyeing at least two Cabinet positions and at least a chairperson in one of the parliamentary committees.

“We had targeted to deliver 25 per cent of votes to Jubilee in Bungoma, but we reached 33 per cent and on October 17 we will make it 45 per cent. We are also working on other counties to increase Jubilee votes. We will thus have a clear platform to expect more appointments from the community,” he said.

In Luo Nyanza, those salivating for key positions are former Rachuonyo legislator James Rege who sacrificed his position to support the President’s party in a region where it is near impossible to get a parliamentary seat on a Jubilee ticket.

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Kitutu Chache South Jubilee parliamentary aspirant Anthony Kibagendi who was one of the leaders who organised the visit to State Lodge in Nakuru by Gusii grassroots leaders, said the region would naturally expect more appointments.

LOBBYING

“The community has several appointments and we are working hard to ensure that the two counties of Kisii and Nyamira reach the 50 per cent mark in supporting Jubilee. Well, people may be lobbying but the issue of appointments may only come way after elections,” he said.

Mr Ken Nyaundi, who was the running mate to Jubilee’s Kisii gubernatorial candidate Chris Obure said it was premature to lobby for appointments before elections.

He said constant attacks on Chief Justice David Maraga by Jubilee leaders had affected campaigns in the region but added that President Kenyatta’s explanation on Wednesday had been welcomed positively. The chief Justice is from Gusiiland.

Ukambani leaders who trooped to State House last week are also waiting in the wings to see that they not only get accelerated development projects in their region but also state appointments.

Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai said the numbers that Jubilee got on August 8 are likely to double.

“We are busy campaigning and moving door to door. Our people will expect top State appointments but also development especially provision of water,” he said.