Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Chairperson Walter Nyambati has dispelled fears that he is assured of clinching Jubilee Alliance Party ticket for Nyamira gubernatorial race in 2017.
This comes after Ford People chairperson Mwancha Okioma claimed that Jubilee had its predetermined candidates for 2017 elections and discouraged gubernatorial aspirants from contesting in JAP preliminaries saying that Nyambati was the preferred candidate.
But on Monday, Nyambati dismissed the speculations and said he would bow out of the race if he loses nomination in the primaries.
“I am not a de-facto candidate of JAP in the gubernatorial race as some people are suggesting. The party is founded under democratic principles meaning all aspirants are subjected to competitive nominations,” he said.
“I will drop my ambitions if I lose in the party nominations. No one is ready to compromise with the will of people. Ultimately, Jubilee Alliance has to win Nyamira gubernatorial race and it doesn’t mean I am automatic flag bearer,” he added.
The former Kitutu Masaba legislator challenged aspirants for all elective seats to remain in Jubilee and support the candidate who wins in 2017 party nominations.
“Jubilee Alliance is bigger than any contestant. Those interested should continue mobilizing their people. We will all go for a free and fair nominations and the person who wins the ticket must be supported,” Nyambati said.
He dismissed Okioma’s allegations and said he was out to pouch JAP members to his preferred Ford People party.
“I don’t know when Mr. Okioma became a prophet and knew that I will be Jubilee’s flag bearer. He should desist from meddling in all matters pertaining JAP and concentrate in revamping his Ford People. Let us all remain intact in JAP and support whoever wins the nominations,” he said.
Photo: Walter Nyambati in a past function. The former Kitutu Masaba legislator has dispelled fears that he will be the automatic JAP flag bearer in 2017 Nyamira gubernatorial race. AMakori/Hivisasa.com