[President Uhuru Kenyatta in a past political campaign in Gusii. He is facing a major crisis in the region due to power stuggle. Photo/Hivisasa.com]
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party could lose significantly in Gusii region after reports indicate that more senior politicians are set to decamp to opposition affiliates ahead of August polls.
Uhuru is keen to wrestle opposition in Kisii and Nyamira counties which are vital for his presidency should he at least think of scoring 25 percent from half of the counties.
And an insider privy to wrangles rocking Jubilee Party says the President and his Deputy’s interest have set a major conflict which could blow to a crisis.
“Nyamira and Kisii are not safe anymore for Jubilee. In both regions, Jubilee politicians have split into Uhuru and Ruto confidents and this is making campaign difficult,” said the source.
The source added: “The DP has his own team which he wants to be elected to various positions and so as the president.”
Already in Kisii County, Chris Obure, a man believed to be having full backing of Kenyatta for gubernatorial bid has fallen out with Joash Maangi, a close ally of Ruto.
Multiple sources with Jubilee Party indicate that in Nyamira, a serious crisis is looming with former MPs Walter Nyambati and Joseph Kangoi said to be planning a shift after reportedly disagreeing with DP Ruto’s preferred candidates.
On Monday, Sam Ongeri, a former powerful minister ditched President Kenyatta’s party for ODM and was received by Raila Odinga.