Jubilee, ODM tussle causing jitters in Kajiado
Supremacy battle between Kajiado governor Joseph ole Lenku, who is seeking re-election, and his predecessor David Nkedianye has escalated causing jitters among Azimio La Umoja supporters.
The two pointmen for Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja movement in the county have sharply differed on the upcoming party primaries.
Governor Lenku, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket in 2017, is pushing for joint Jubilee and ODM nominations after the planned merger while Nkedianye, a member of the Orange party, is rooting for independent party primaries.
Lenku, who double as the Maa spokesperson, exudes confidence that Azimio la Umoja coalition has the capacity to conduct free and fair nominations while Nkedianye claims joint nominations will be a recipe for rigging.
The escalating rivalry between the two recently played out in front of the former premier Raila Odinga despite earlier ceasefire brokered by Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
During the Azimio La Umoja rally in Kajiado, supporters of the two heckled each other to the discomfort of the guests. “We cannot be talking about a unity but we are not ready to advocate for it. Azimio La Umoja is meant to promote unity of purpose. Having joint party nominations will be a key step in solidifying the coalition.”
The county chief says voters will determine the winners of various positions in the coming elections. “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,” says Lenku.
Lenku has already declared he will work with his current deputy governor Martin Moshisho if re-elected.
On the other hand, Nkedianye supporters claim that Lenku is a latecomer to Raila’s inner circle. They further claim Lenku is misusing his influential position as the Maa spokesperson to endear himself to Raila promising to deliver him votes from the community.
Nkedianye’s ally Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi has been spearheading campaigns telling residents that despite there being Azimio La Umoja coalition, Jubilee and ODM party will conduct independent party primaries.
The former governor has told off Lenku accusing him of under development saying their different records were like 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,” says Nkedianye.
He says Lenku failed to complete projects undertaken between 2013 and 2017 to the chagrin of suffering residents. “Lenku should prepare to go home because he has terribly failed residents of Kajiado. Markets are in deplorable conditions due to uncollected garbage and any matters development is on standstill. Kajiado residents are tired and I am their only hope and the best bet to deliver them,” he said.
Azimio supporters fear Lenku-Nkendianye differences could hurt the movement and work in the favour of their opponents, especially Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking at Ngong’ during a crisis meeting brining together opinion leaders, residents and aspirants supporting Raila presidency, locals urged the two to shun political sideshows and instead unite for a common goal.
