Jubilee politician Abdulsalam Kassim has affirmed that he is still in Jubilee despite being disqualified in the Mombasa senatorial race. [Photo/ barakafm.org]
With speculation rife that he had decamped from the Jubilee Party after the nomination certificate for the Mombasa senate race was given to his bitter rival Hazel Katana following IEBC's Disputes Resolution Committee ruling, Abdulsalam Kassim has broken his silence.
Speaking during Monday's Eid prayers held at Ronald Ngala Primary School grounds in Mvita constituency, Kassim said he is not bitter about losing his candidature."I am still in Jubilee despite everything that has happened. I will help Jubilee win seats in Mombasa... This is how politics should be. It is about love for the party and for people too. No hate," said Kassim, as quoted by The Star.The latest development gives a fresh impetus to the Mombasa senatorial race which is so far seen as an open contest which can go either way.Kassim’s assurance that he is still in Jubilee will at least give President Uhuru Kenyatta some breathing space in the race for Mombasa votes as his departure from the party could have injured Jubilee’s vote hunt mission in the ‘hostile’ coastal city.For Katana who is the only female candidate in the male-dominated race, Kassim's latest move could boost her chances to swing votes in her favour.