Supremacy battle in Kajiado escalates causing jitters in Azimio La Umoja
The battle for dominance between Kajiado governor Joseph ole Lenku, who is running for re-election, and his predecessor David Nkedianye has intensified, prompting anxiety among Azimio La Umoja followers.
In the upcoming party primaries, Raila Odinga’s coalition’s two men in the county have drastically differed.
Ole Lenku, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket in 2017, wants combined Jubilee and ODM nominations following the planned merger, while Nkedianye, a member of the Orange party, wants autonomous party primaries.
The Kajiado governor, also serving as a Maa spokesperson, expressed confidence in the Azimio La Umoja coalition’s ability to conduct free and fair nominations but Nkedianye claims that joint nominations will result in rigging.
Despite an earlier ceasefire established by Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko and Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed, the two increasing animosity recently played out in front of Odinga.
Supporters of the two candidates heckled each other during the Azimio La Umoja rally in Kajiado, much to the annoyance of the attendees.
“Why should a leader play cowardly politics pegged on rigging plan claims? Voters have the power of making the best leader win. A competitive process is healthy and only cowards will shy away instead opting to bury their heads in the sand and speculating about imaginary rigging,” said Lenku.
If re-elected, Lenku has already stated that he will cooperate with his present deputy governor, Martin Moshisho.
Nkedianye supporters, on the other hand, argue that Lenku is a latecomer to Raila’s inner circle.
They further claim that Lenku is abusing his powerful position as Maa spokesperson to curry favour with Raila by promising to deliver votes from the community.
Despite the Azimio La Umoja coalition, Nkedianye’s allies, Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi has been organizing efforts reminding residents that Jubilee and ODM will hold independent party primaries.
The former governor chastised Lenku, accusing him of being underdeveloped, comparing their respective records to light and darkness.
“Lenku is in Jubilee and I am in ODM and what is common between us is that we are supporting a Raila presidency. He will vie on a Jubilee ticket and I will vie on an ODM ticket,” said Nkedianye.
