[Chief Justice David Maraga in a past event. His frosty relationship with Uhuru may have informed the president’s decision to snub Gusii region. Photo/Nation]
Pro- Chief Justice David Maraga’s protests in Kisii and Nyamira Counties informed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to snub the region in his campaigns, says a Jubilee insider.
Moments after the Supreme Court’s decision to annul Uhuru’s victory, the president launched fierce attacks on the Supreme Court judges, a move that did not go well with a section of Kisii residents.
And with October elections just around the corner, Uhuru is yet to tour the region, which he initially made over fifteen trips prior to August elections.
“He never knew that attack on Maraga could lead to such demonstrations and this has made him more cautious,” says the source, who spoke in confidence.
The source added:”He has now reverted to holding indoors rallies away from Gusii, just to let the temperatures cool.”
More recent, Uhuru snubbed Joel Onyancha’s funeral, despite the former MP being one of his trusted lieutenants from Gusii region.
A publication by Sunday Nation intimated that the President had shifted his focus to Western region due to hostility from among the Gusii people.
Although he may have not coordinated protests in his favour, thousands of Gusii residents accused Uhuru of unfairly treating the Chief Justice, apparently the senior most Gusii leader by protocol.