Waititu (L) and Kabogo. Waititu has asked Kabogo to stop blaming others for his loss in Kiambu. [Photo: the-star.co.ke]
Kabete Member of Parliament Ferdinand Waititu has clapped back at Kiambu Governor William Kabogo move to defend his seat as an independent candidate saying it’s a defeat strategy after losing Jubilee party nominations.
Speaking during the handing over of Jubilee Party certificates primary winners, Waititu warned Kabogo against dragging President Uhuru Kenyatta’s name into his loss, saying that Uhuru did not interfere with the nominations.
“The president and his deputy were in Nairobi, they did not interfere with the exercise,” said Waititu – a statement seemingly in response to Kabogo’s claim that ‘powerful forces’ were keen to see him lose the Kiambu ticket.
Kiambu County Jubilee Party Nominee Waititu’s sentiments came only hours after Governor Kabogo declared his decision to defend his seat as a private candidate.
Waititu was announced the winner on April 26 after he garnered 353,604 votes against Kabogo’s 69,916 – said Kabogo was bitter because his plans to rig the primaries were stopped by the party.
Earlier, Kabogo hinted at electoral irregularities, saying: “…powerful forces do not want me to be the Governor of Kiambu.”
Waititu’s comrade in the ‘United for Kiambu’ forum – James Nyoro claimed that Kabogo is intending to use money that he allegedly looted from county coffers fund his independent campaign.
Nyoro called on the government to send auditors to inspect county books of accounts in Kiambu, Nakuru and Kirinyaga counties – especially since incumbent governors are all defending their seats as independents.
“Where is money for forming independent candidates’ coalition coming from? It is coming from Kiambu, it is coming from Nakuru, and it is coming from Kirinyaga. We want auditors to be sent,” said Nyoro.
Kabogo’s latest move is surely a game changer as the people of Kiambu wait to see who will clinch the gubernatorial position come August 8.