[President Kenyatta at a past function at the Coast. His team in the region has shown some cracks, with members fighting to be in charge.] (Photo/File)
Cracks have emerged in Jubilee Party’s team in the Coast region, after two factions laid bare their differences in the area.
With a month to the October 17 presidential polls, rivalry between supporters of Mombasa governor candidate Suleiman Shahbal and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has come to the fore, with both parties fighting to control the region.
This comes a few days after an incident where Shahbal was booed at the Wild Waters Centre in Mombasa, after DP William Ruto announced that Balala will be in charge of the party’s campaigns at the Coast.
On Sunday, suppporters of Shahbal, who lost to incumbent Hassan Joho in the Mombasa gubernatorial race in August, asked Balala to respect Shahbal, and should not do anything withot consulting him (Shahbal).
There has been talk among disgruntled party members, who feel the party performed dismally at the Coast due to ‘lack of commitment’ by Shahbal and poor leadership.
However, addressing the press on Sunday, county Jubilee chairman Matano Chengo and Secretary Ali Mwatsahu condemned those blaming Shahbal for the party's performance.
“We condemn those who heckled Shahbal at the DP's meeting on Friday, the party will take appropriate action,” said Chengo.
“The problem we have in this county is that some members have gone to the Nairobi party headquarters to stab Shahbal in the back. Those behind such an ill plan should stop,” added Mwatsahu.