A supremacy battle pitting two President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaign teams have threatened the unity in the President’s Jubilee Party, with only 30 days remaining to the General Election.
Mbele Iko Sawa and the UhuRuto Express teams are entangled in a supremacy battle, with those who do not want to be involved in the mix asking the Jubilee secretariat and the head of state to intervene and avert possible fall-outs that could hurt the president’s pursuit for re-election.
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria is leading a contingent that won the Jubilee Party nomination tickets under Mbele Iko Sawa banner, while those who lost and decided to campaign for the president are under the UhuRuto Express team.
Sources have revealed that the rift between the two teams is so grave that Mbele Iko Sawa team, led by Moses Kuria was advised not to campaign in the former Central Province.
An MP who spoke to the Nation said that Mbele Iko Sawa outfit was not trusted from the beginning owing to its leader, Moses Kuria’s personality and aggressive approach, which has discouraged many from working with him. Kuria is known for his sharp tongue and liberal use of language.
“You can’t work that way with politicians. You have to consult. That’s why you see he is working with the nominees, most of whom are new,” said the MP, who asked not to be named for fear of being seen to create disharmony in the Jubilee camp.
Kuria is also accused of masquerading as Deputy President William Ruto’s point man in Mt Kenya region, despite the fact that there was no formal process to elevate him to that position.
While Kuria’s team is accused of discrimination other leaders in the Jubilee party in their campaign, UhuRuto Express has accommodated everybody and has even given independent candidates space to seek votes for President Uhuru Kenyatta, further widening the rift between the two teams.
