Former Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Raphael Tuju, has explained his decision to shelve his political ambitions and join the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party's executive council.
Speaking at a function in Homa Bay County on March 19, the ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta revealed that he had options to vie for the Rarieda parliamentary seat and the Siaya gubernatorial seat.
The former SG who served as the Rarieda legislator from 2003 to 2007, explained that he was involved in a much greater course of ensuring that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga clinches the presidency in the August 9 polls.
He made the statements in reference to the fallout that has been witnessed in parts of Raila's home backyard after chaotic nominations by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Tuju explained that disputes arising from the nominations would scuttle Azimio's plans of ascending to power, further urging aspirants in the Azimio strongholds to stay united.
"Let us not bring issues that will ruin what we are working for. Personally, I was suited for the Rarieda parliamentary seat and the Siaya gubernatorial seat but we have a mission that is greater than Homa Bay, Siaya, and other areas.
"Therefore all these cries and noises that it must be you to be nominated should be toned down," he stated.
Tuju was appointed to the Azimio council Executive Director on April 6 by Raila Odinga and was tasked with overseeing the daily operations of the coalition's campaigns.
Prior to his appointment, there were reports that he would vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat or the Lang'ata parliamentary seat in the August 9 polls.
This was after President Uhuru Kenyatta asked Raila to help the former SG attain his political ambitions having resigned from his position in the ruling party during their National Delegates Conference (NDC) on February 26.
"Baba (Raila) this is our person from Jubilee help him, please. Joho I am giving you that job. Take care of my person," he asked.
He was replaced by Ndaragwa Member of Parliament, Jeremiah Kioni who has the task of delivering the Mt Kenya vote into the Azimio basket.
