We will beat Jubilee again in Kiambaa poll, say Ruto allies

Three Jubilee Party legislators yesterday said the party had lost its popularity in the Mt Kenya region.

Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata, Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu) and his Mathira counterpart Rigathi Gachagua said the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party holds the future of the region and the country. The party is associated with Deputy President William Ruto.

They were speaking at Kawaida Trading Centre in Kiambaa sub-county when the party launched its candidate John Njuguna Wanjiku’s campaign for the area parliamentary by-election which will be held on July 15.

“We woke up very early to elect Jubilee Party leaders but it has since turned out to be our tormentor. It has made us cry yet we supported it overwhelmingly,” said Ichung’wah.

Outdated thinking

He added; “I know Jubilee will bring you a lot of money hoping to entice you but I advise you to eat the money but vote for the Hustler candidate.”

Ichung’wa said the culture of regional or ethnic political parties was outdated political thinking.

“Modern political thinking transcends the tribe or region. It is agenda-based and people-driven not leaders-driven.

Majority of our people are focused on being part of a large national ideology beyond retrogressive ethnicity,” he said.

He alleged that the provincial administration had been directed to campaign for the Jubilee candidate Kariri Njama.

“Even if they use Chiefs, Assistant County Commissioners and the police, we will rely on God and not power,” he said.

Campaign pledges

Gachagua also urged Kiambaa residents to support the UDA candidate but take any money given to them by other campaigners.

“Jubilee will bring you money and it’s advisable that you eat it but vote for our UDA candidate,” he said.

Kang’ata said the Hustler movement was keen to ensure the youth were involved in leadership and urged young voters to throw their weight behind Wanjiku.

He said the candidate deserved the seat because he comes from a humble background, besides having been brought up by a single mother.

“Our candidate used to roast chicken intestines, feet and heads at Banana shopping centre.

He is the true image of a hustler because he supported her mother who managed to pay school fees for him,” he said.

Njuguna said that if elected, he would prioritise education, health and water provision in the area.

“I believe God will help me become your MP and I can assure you that I will ensure we get new hospitals and sink boreholes for water accessibility.

I will also ensure that we get a technical school so that the youth can enroll for technical courses,” he said.

The Kiambaa seat fell vacant in March following the death of Paul Koinange. He died of Covid-19 complications.

The seat has turned out into a two-horse race between UDA and Jubilee.

Others in the race include Evans Wainaina, Willie Mbugua, Isaac Karomo, David Mugo, Lucy Wanjiru and Richard Ng’ang’a.