Supporters of Kilifi governor, Amason Jeffa Kingi, and hiss Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party have told off Malindi Member of Parliament, Aisha Jumwa, over her recent attacks on the outgoing governor's integrity.
Speaking during a press conference in Market Village in Malindi town, the supporters led by Patience Kipusa asked Jumwa to refrain from discrediting the governor, adding that the latter was the one who was synonymous with graft.
Kipusa asked Jumwa to keep Kingi's name out of her mouth during her campaigns and promised to put up a fearless fight against her if she persists. She added that the governor's move to join Kenya Kwanza was for the good of the people of Kilifi.
“Governor Kingi has not done anything wrong to go to Kenya Kwanza, he has a vision for the people and that is why he moved from Azimio to Kenya Kwanza,” stated Kipusa.
In addition, Kingi's supporters argued he legitimately joined the coalition because its flag-bearer, Deputy President William Ruto, entrusted him to deliver votes not only in Kilifi but the entire coastal region.
Referring to Kingi's tenure in various leadership positions including Cabinet Minister, Governor and MP, Grace Kazungu - a supporter - demanded that the Jumwa accord him the respect he deserves, noting that he was above her league.
"We do not want to hear you again saying anything bad about our governor. Kingi is a lion, he will roar because he is the lion of Kilifi county. When you insult him, you poke us right in our eyes," warned Kazungu.
Kazungu added that mudslinging Kingi would not earn Jumwa any political mileage but will make the voters turn against her.
Responding to the calls to vote for UDA candidates from presidency to the MCA, Kingi's supporters insisted that PAA would field candidates in five elective positions in the county.
The backlash comes after the Legislator, who is eyeing to succeed Kingi as the Kilifi governor, claimed that he had nothing to offer. Jumwa also differed with DP Ruto over Kingi's appointment as Kenya Kwanza regional coordinator owing to his track record.
"I played a very big role in ensuring that Kingi joins Kenya Kwanza. So I know that there is nothing new he is bringing in. We note with great concern that his bad record as county chief will affect the popularity of UDA in the county unless he starts sanitizing himself with the people of Kilifi," she stated.
Kingi decamped to Kenya Kwanza on May 10 following a fallout with rival coalition party, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party. He explained the lack of transparency and failure to disclose the contents of the coalition agreement affiliate parties signed pushed him to exit.
Leaked documents of the Ruto-led front revealed that the PAA leader had been offered the Speaker of Senate position. He also secured a development deals for the coast region.
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