Kwale County Speaker Sammy Ruwa at a past event. He is said to be the front runner for the party ticket but is however facing an equally strong opponent in Dr Issa Chipera, a fierce critic of Mvurya. Photo/ the-star.co.ke
With a section of elected leaders in Kwale switching allegiance from ODM to Jubilee, the Raila Odinga-led party is faced with a daunting task to conduct free and fair nominations, and get the right candidate in its bid to consolidate its perceived stronghold.Aware that they are facing a formidable opponent in Salim Mvurya who has since become a key Jubilee man in the area, the choice of the ODM candidate for the seat may prove to be the party's make or break moment in the county, considering the party lost Senator Boy Juma Boy who passed on in February.With over four aspirants throwing the hat into the ring, the credibility of the nominations remains an elephant in the room considering recent claims that the county's politics is controlled from Mombasa by Governor Hassan Joho who is accused of having preferred candidates.Kwale County Speaker Sammy Ruwa is the front runner for the party ticket. However, he is facing an equally strong opponent in Dr Issa Chipera, a fierce critic of Mvurya.Former Permanent Secretary Mohamed Mwarapayo and Gereza Dena who both lost to Mvurya in the 2013 gubernatorial race are also in contention for the party ticket, as they bid to face a familiar foe in August.Whoever clinches the party ticket would have passed the first test before the real contest where they will face the incumbent and former Matuga MP Chirau Mwakwere who moved to Wiper after crossing over from Jubilee.