The upcoming Kiambaa by-election has caused division in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee camp with some leaders disagreeing over the campaign approach.
Speaking during the launch of Jubilee campaigns in Kiambaa, National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya made remarks suggesting that the constituency will be denied development projects if it does not vote for the Jubilee candidate.
Kimunya’s remarks did not sit well with senior leaders in party, who argue that threatening voters could lead to Jubilee’s fall in Kiambaa.
Earlier this week, Kiambu Governor James Nyoro claimed that he had been locked out of the campaigns, despite the by-election being in his county.
According to Nyoro, disorganized and selective campaigns could cost Jubilee the Kiambaa Parliamentary seat.
"We want to have one command centre and you cannot exclude the governor from the command centre. I want to be very categorical and state that the things we have started seeing are not something we can encourage. I appeal to the party that as they are organising the campaigns, we should be involved," he said.
His point of view was echoed by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru who noted that Jubilee is not a party that threatens voters.
According to Waiguru, Kimunya’s remark were reckless and do not represent the official position of the Jubilee Party.
"Such utterances are meant to ruin the good reputation of the party which was formed on the basis of equity leadership and efficient service to the all Kenyans,” Waiguru said.
The Kiambaa by-election is set for July 15, 2021 and has been branded as a contest between President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
