As the 2017 general election beckons, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila are facing a common headache after a section of governors from their political stronghold demanded a direct nomination.
The demands are majorly from governors in Rift Valley and Nyanza region who want direct nomination arguing that it would help them concentrate on campaigning for their presidential candidates.
It is reported that in Rift Valley more than 10 governors led by Nakuru's Kinuthia Mbugua have demanded that they should be rewarded with direct nominations for their work in developing their counties.
The County bosses claimed they did a lot in setting up the county administrative structures and if they fail to get reelected many development projects might crumble.
"We spent more than half our terms establishing government and administrative structures. With devolution being new, we would have done much, but we can do more if our parties allow us an opportunity. "Direct nominations will free us so we can campaign for the President and his Deputy," Mr Mbugua stated.
In Nyanza region, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay and Migori governors have expressed desire to get direct nominations.
Kisumu's Jack Ranguma argued that subjecting them to party primaries will be an unnecessary distraction.
"My main aim is to ensure Raila wins the presidency. Getting direct tickets will give us an opportunity to campaign for Raila everywhere more effectively. I plead with our party leader Raila to allow incumbent governors of Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Migori counties be given direct ODM tickets," Ranguma was quoted.
However, both the Jubilee and CORD coalitions have insisted on holding free and fair primaries urging those who lose to support their competitors.