Confusion persists over winner of Kajiado East Jubilee primary

Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko's supporters board matatus in Kitengela on May 24, 2017 headed to Jubilee headquarters in Nairobi to demand that she be issued with the party’s nomination certificate. Her rival, Mary Seneta, also claims to have won the nominations. PHOTO | JOSEPH NGUNJIRI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • A repeat nomination in two polling stations in Kitengela was held on May 19.
  • It is the third time Ms Seneta is lodging complaints against the outcome of the April 25 nominations.
  • Ms Tobiko also claims the certificate, citing results of the two nominations, which placed her ahead of Ms Seneta.

Confusion over who is the Jubilee nominee for Kajiado East parliamentary seat deepened on Wednesday after Kajiado Woman Rep Mary Seneta lodged a fresh appeal with the party headquarters citing fresh evidence of voter manipulation in the nominations.

A repeat nomination in two polling stations in Kitengela was held on May 19 after a ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.

Ms Seneta’s latest appeal now opens a new chapter in the increasingly bitter political rivalry between her and Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko.

The woman rep claims she has evidence that places her ahead of Ms Tobiko in the nominations.

The appeals tribunal is set for hearing Thursday.

THIRD APPEAL

It is the third time Ms Seneta is lodging complaints against the outcome of the April 25 nominations.

Immediately after the nominations Ms Seneta lodged an appeal with Jubilee, which was thrown out, thereby affirming Ms Tobiko’s victory.

Not content with the ruling, Ms Seneta moved to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal which ordered a repeat of nominations in two polling stations in Kitengela.

Ms Seneta defeated Ms Tobiko in the two polling stations where repeat nominations were held but she could not overturn Ms Tobiko’s overall lead.

In her latest application, Ms Seneta demands to be issued with the Jubilee Party nomination certificate.

WANTS CERTIFICATE

Ms Tobiko also claims the certificate, citing results of the two nominations, which placed her ahead of Ms Seneta.

On Wednesday she gathered her supporters at her offices in Kitengela and transported them to the Jubilee headquarters.

She had earlier addressed journalists where she appealed to President Kenyatta to intervene and ensure that she is issued with a certificate.

“We won the first time and even after the court ordered for repeat of the nominations in two polling stations our competitor could still not beat us,” said Ms Tobiko.

In a press statement read on her behalf by her supporters Ms Tobiko said: “It should be clear that we are in Jubilee by choice but we understand that the party has its owners and the owners must respect the choice of the people of Kajiado East.”

Ms Seneta accompanied by her supporters had gone to Jubilee House Wednesday morning.