7 Political Battles That Could Cost President Uhuru Kenyatta and Jubilee Victory

As the Jubilee Party gears up in its bid to oust the National Super Alliance (NASA) from power come August 8, behind the scenes lies an enemy that could cost it the top job.

According to pundits, the fight between Jubilee, Independent candidates and small parties supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta could jeopardize the President's re-election bid and rack up seats in perceived NASA’s strongholds.

The bitter political rivalries include;

1. Baringo County

The bitter rivalry between KANU's Gideon Moi and Deputy President William Ruto could cost Jubilee victory in the region.

DP Ruto has endorsed Jubilee candidate Simon Chelugui to face Mr Moi. His endorsement of Chelugui, however, caused an uproar with residents heckling him in his recent visit of Baringo County.

Already, tension is rife as the two candidates who have promised to support President Kenyatta face off.

2. Kirinyaga County

The County has a heated gubernatorial contests that will see Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru face off with Narc-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua.

Both ladies support President Kenyatta's re-election bid. The President, however, refused to endorse any of the two, stating that the residents should make the choice and the one who loses will get a better job.

“These two ladies are my friends and if you elect one of them as a governor, I will give the other a government job,” said President Kenyatta.

3. Kiambu County

In Kiambu County, incumbent Governor William Kabogo is seeking for re-election as an independent candidate and will face off with Ferdinand Waititu of the Jubilee Party.

Kabogo lost in the Jubilee nominations and decided to contest as an Independent. He, has, however, expressed his support for the President.

4. Meru County

In Meru, Governor Peter Munya of the Party of National Unity (PNU) is in a bruising battle with Senator Kiraitu Murungi of Jubilee, Maendeleo Chap Chap’s Kilemi Mwiria and Kinoti Gatobu, an independent aspirant, both backing President Kenyatta’s 2017 State House bid.

5. Mandera County

Mandera County Gubernatorial contest pitting Governor Ali Roba of Jubilee Party and Hassan Noor of the Economic Freedom Party is also another battle considering that both leaders have backed President Kenyatta’s re-election.

6. Uasin Gishu County

The rivalry is also intense in Uasin Gishu where Jubilee’s Governor Jackson Mandago is facing businessman Zedekiah Bundotich (Buzeki).

 A recent opinion poll by Infotrak Research firm showed Mandago would lose to Buzeki if elections were held today.

Read Also: Jubilee Will Lose Elections- New Poll Reveals

7. Elgeyo- Marakwet County

In Elgeyo-Marakwet, Governor Alex Tolgos is battling against Moses Changwony, an independent candidate.

Political pundits argue that these battles could create a problem for Jubilee and President Kenyatta as the might lose numbers in the National Assembly and the Senate.

 

 

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