[President Uhuru Kenyatta with other Gusii leaders during his two days tour. He kept off local politics and only concentrated on his reelection bid. Photo/Nation]
In what could be prior intelligence by NIS, president Uhuru Kenyatta snubbed Jubilee nominees for various positions in Gusii, a contrast of what he has been doing in other parts of the country.
While on a tour in Nakuru last week, Kenyatta urged locals to elect Jubilee nominees in August polls in all elective positions.
But in Kisii, Kenyatta avoided meddling in local politics in what an insider says was guided by intelligence report prior to his tour.
“He was privy that a number of his party candidates are unpopular and it would have been dangerous for him to endorse them in public,” said the source.
In 2013 Gusii region predominantly voted for opposition leader Raila Odinga and in particular, Nyamira County was dominated by ODM party in all elective seats.
Uhuru said: “I have walked with you even though we didn’t not sail on the same boat last time. I plead with you to remember me this time.”
While in Kisii County Uhuru is banking on Senator Chris Obure, in Nyamira, governorship nominee Walter Nyambati and conveyance lawyer Joseph Kiangoi have taken charge.