Political tension is high in Tharaka-Nithi County after divisions emerged among Jubilee supporters ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta's tour of the region.
Candidates from parties allied to the Jubilee Party led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Samwel Ragwa have been warned not to attend the president's rallies across the county.
The warning was issued by Chuka/Igambang’ombe Member of Parliament (MP) Muthomi Njuki who disclosed that it will be a Jubilee party affair and outsiders are not welcome.
“The President will be coming as Jubilee Party leader and members of other friendly parties should clearly know this,” the MP stated.
Njuki also clarified that only those dressed in red clothes would be allowed to attend the rallies and warned residents not to show up in the colours of any other party.
In a quick response, the rival camp led by Governor Ragwa dismissed the warnings, vowing to attend the meetings and accompany the president throughout his tour.
“Mr Kenyatta is the President of all Kenyans and if he wanted to meet Jubilee Party candidates he would have met them in Nairobi secretly,” said the governor.
Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) Senate candidate Kiambi Matanka also dismissed the warnings, stating that the president welcomes everyone's support and vowed to attend the rallies.
The rivalry between Jubilee candidates and those from friendly parties is threatening President Kenyatta's re-election bid.
Attempts to drum up support for Jubilee party candidates have been met with resistance in Meru, Nyeri, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu where party supporters told the president off.
In the Tharaka Nithi Senate race, Kithure Kindiki (Jubilee) will face off with Kiambi Matanka (MCC). Governor Ragwa (NARC-Kenya) will square it out with Muthomi Njuki (Jubilee).
All candidates enjoy significant support and President Uhuru Kenyatta could lose votes if he endorses the Jubilee Party candidates.
