The ruling Jubilee Party has issued fresh demands to its Handshake partner ODM on the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, following a declaration by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi that he will be going for the nation’s capital governor’s seat in 2022 through his party’s (ODM) ticket. The ruling party now wants ODM to forego the city’s seat, in exchange for their backing for the presidency.
Already, there are fears the new demands by Jubilee may jeopardize ongoing negotiations between the two parties on how to field candidates across the city and other parts of the country.
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This is why a section of Nairobi ODM MPs led by George Aladwa said that although Wanyonyi has the right to aspire for any office, his timing was wrong, considering Jubilee and ODM are still negotiating to form an alliance.
”We had agreed that we put everything on hold until Raila declares whether he will vie next year or not. We are still negotiating with our Jubilee partners. I feel that his (Wanyonyi’s) timing was wrong. In any case, what is the hurry for?” Aladwa asked.
Both ODM and Jubilee leadership on Sunday skipped the Westlands MP’s ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre where he launched his bid for the city’s top job.
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In an interview with a local publication after his Sunday launch, Wanyonyi lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s move to formalise their coalition arrangement but warned the two leaders against direct nominations, instead asking Jubilee and ODM to do joint nominations.
”For the Nairobi governor position, we should allow people to make the decision. As we discuss our merger, we must avoid an attempt to distribute positions. If need be, we should hold joint nominations as a coalition and come up with one candidate,” said Wanyonyi.
