Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana says she was rigged out during the Jubilee nominations and wants the results nullified. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
The rivalry between Mombasa deputy Governor Hazel Katana and Abdulsalaam Kassim has intensified as the duo seek the Jubilee Party senatorial ticket.On Thursday, there were conflicting reports over Katana's fate regarding the appeal she has lodged at the Jubilee Party Appeal Tribunal contesting Kassim's win.While there were reports from some officials that her case had sailed through, Kassim, on the other hand, denied knowledge of the same, the Star has reported.Kassim was declared the winner during the party nominations that were held last month. He garnered 10,785 votes against Katana's 9,924 votes.But Katana has rejected the results claiming she was rigged out. She alleges that powerful forces in the opposition made her lose in the primaries.Commenting on the matter, Jubilee Mombasa chairman Matano Chengo claimed the tribunal had ruled that Katana be given the ticket.He said the deputy governor presented a strong case against Kassim and won.However, Chengo's remarks were countered by Sureya Hersi, the JP elections board chairperson who told the daily that there's no ruling regarding the matter as the hearing is ongoing.On his part, Kassim said he was assured of the certificate at the Jubilee headquarters, in Nairobi adding that he was not aware that Katana had been declared the winner.“No appeal has been made and I take such reports as propaganda. The ticket is mine,” he said.He denied knowledge of an appeal and that he had been summoned by the tribunal.Katana could not comment on whether she has been guaranteed the ticket.