Jubilee Party Director of Elections Kanini Kega has told the Mount Kenya region that the party does not fully trust Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga despite supporting his bid.
Speaking to Nyeri residents on Saturday, April 9, the Kieni MP noted that the region would have to choose the lesser evil given the reality was that it was unlikely that they did not have a strong candidate who would mount a serious presidential campaign.
He reflected the 2007 General Election, where the political landscape changed when Raila's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joined forces with his nemesis, Mwai Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) to form the grand coalition government.
He added that the only way for the Mt Kenya region to secure their interests was to have the numbers within Parliament after the upcoming General Election.
"Those who are vying for the Presidency, we don't have our friend ( someone to secure interests). We have also toured the country extensively and we know Raila will become President on August 9. The question is this, when Raila becomes President, where will we be?" Kega asked the people.
The legislator warned the Mt Kenya region that there was a likelihood that Raila would win the presidency but fail to garner a majority in Parliament.
He added that in such an eventuality, the former Prime Minister had the option to join hands with his rival Deputy President William Ruto, leaving out the Jubilee party in the cold.
"When Baba wins the next General Election, if he doesn't have enough MPs, he might even go and shake hands with the other person (Ruto) because it is possible. In 2007, it was possible. It is more likely for Ruto and Raila to re-unite than for them to remain permanent enemies," the MP opined.
Kega noted that the residents should ensure a landslide victory in all elective seats for the Jubilee party in order to secure their interests and ensure their voices were heard in the next government.
"Jubilee is the only party that is primarily from Mt Kenya. The rest have their bases and your neighbour's house, no matter how warm and cosy it can be, will never be yours," he added.
Other political leaders who attended the meeting include Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu and wealthy businessman Peter Munga.
Kega's remarks come at a time when the political landscape is at a fever pitch with leaders throwing their weight behind the candidates that they feel would secure their interests.
This has seen major shifts and realignments as parties joined forces in order to form coalitions ahead of the General Election.
