Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana is comforted by Nairobi Woman Rep Rachel Shebesh after she announced her defection to Jubilee Party at Luhar Hall in Mombasa on January 28, 2017. [Photo/ nation.co.ke]
Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana's bid to succeed Senator Hassan Omar has suffered a setback after losing in the Jubilee Party nominations.Katana who ditched ODM for the ruling party came second to businessman Kassim Abdulsalam who garnered 10,797 against her 9,924 votes.According to the results which were announced at Patel Samaj Hall on Thursday evening, Swabri Abubakar came a distant third with 5,393 votes.However, Katana has disputed the results saying the process was not free and fair."When we started this process, we were told it would be free and fair. But that is not what we have witnessed," she said, as quoted by the Nation.Earlier, Katana had protested the delay to release the results claiming there was a plot to rig her out despite leading by 300 votes.However, in a quick rejoinder, Abdulsalam said he had beaten Katana by 891 votes. He added that he had won in all the sub-counties except Nyali and Mvita where Katana had won by small margins.Katana is yet to declare her next move following the loss.