Nairobi governor aspirants Mike Sonko (left) and Peter Kenneth (right). PHOTO: nairobinews.co.ke
Top Nairobi governor aspirants in the Jubilee party might, after all, reach a consensus before the primaries are held.
Sources within Jubilee have revealed that behind-the-scenes talks are in top gear to have one aspirant vie for the seat The vicious battle between Senator Mike Sonko and Peter Kenneth has created tension in the President's party, with fears that the friction might hand incumbent ODM Governor Evans Kidero the seat on a silver platter. The rift between the two leaders has even led to the formation of factions splitting Nairobi MPs, with some backing Sonko and others throwing their weight behind Kenneth.The source also revealed that Uhuru and Ruto have given firm instructions that the aspirants must agree."The leadership wants a scenario of not having party primaries in Nairobi, the aim is to give direct tickets to Jubilee candidates, deemed to be strongest in NASA stronghold," the source said.
In the ongoing talks, five constituencies Embakasi West, Embakasi East, Ruaraka, Langata, and Kibra aspirants are supposed to agree on who among them will be handed direct nomination.
Uhuru Kenyatta in Ruaka, Kiambu county.
The development comes in after President Uhuru Kenyatta last week's address in Ruaka, Kiambu County where he said Jubilee will not offer direct nomination tickets.
The source also said the move is to ensure the party is united so that they can concentrate on the presidential campaigns.