President Uhuru Kenyatta with NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. [Photo/Nairobiwire.com]
Less than 48 days to the August 8, polls, President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga are struggling with a similar problem in their perceived strongholds as they seek to harvest maximum votes.
The rise of independent candidates is giving the two leaders sleepless nights because they are seen as spoilers ansd people splitting votes in the process making it hard for Uhuru and Raila to b prepared for a tough task of passing legislation if they assume power due to low numbers in the law making chambers if the independent topple their party candidates in the polls.
Countless time plans by NASA and Jubilee leaders to weed out the independent candidates by disowning them in their public rallies have been met with a formidable resistance from both the candidates and the public.
Take an example of Raila who was shut down in his Bondo hometown when he endorsed Siaya county Governor Cornell Rasanga against independent candidate Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo.
However, through his wife Ida Odinga, raila might have changed the strategy after his wife advised the people of Bondo to concentrate on looking for votes for Raila on her second visit in the area.
In Homabay county, Raila has also met stiff resistance as he seeks to sale the candidature of his party honcos Gladys Wanga, John Mbadi and Governor Cyprian Awiti, in Migori the Obado out sentiments are also filling the skies so is Kisumu where Governor Ranguma's supporters feel betrayed by a Senator Anyang Nyong'o candidature.
In Busia county battle lines have been drawned between Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and former ODM deputy leader Paul Otuoma.
Uhuru has also had his fair share of the independent candidates debacles, while in Elgeyo-Marakwet supporters of independent gubernatorial candidateMoses Changwony jeered DP Ruto when he attemped to spread the gospel of 'six piece' voting.
Ruto was shocked by the response, as the crowd shouted, "NASA," a clear warning they could dump Jubilee if unpopular candidates were imposed on them.Not to mention the clear rivalry between Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and his challenger Zedekiah Bundotich also known as Buzeki.
"I am an independent and that's final. No backing off. If Ruto supports what Mandago stands for, then we now know him well. Let Uasin Gishu people decide on August 8," said Buzeki.
Kiambu is also frustrating Kenyatta and Ruto. On Sunday they witnessed and felt the backlash among residents over some candidates.
In Thika voters booed Ruto when he stood for Thika Town MP Alice Nganga, Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi was also jeered and even the candidacy of Ferdinand Waititu was shut down by some supporters.
Residents waved placards reading,“UhuRuto Sawa, The Others Let The People Decide.” While they backed Uhuru and Ruto they refused to vote a six-piece, straight JP ticket.
“You Kiambu people should know you are Jubilee county number one and other counties are taking their bearing from Kiambu. If you mix while voting, you will mislead other counties,” said Uhuru amid jeers.