The Mountain Journal
Cracks have emerged in the laikipia branch of Jubilee Party after a candidate for Governorship has decamped to independent status.
Mburu Kamau moved to be an independent candidate a day after the party officials led by Ndaragua MP Jeremiah Kioni accepted Governor Ndiritu Muriithi in the party.
This followed meetings by Ndiritu’s PNU and Jubilee leaders led by Michael Kabochi and Thomas Gachara, after they resolved that Ndiritu was a strong candidate to clinch the slot.
Speaking to The Mountain Journal, Mburu termed the move to welcome Ndiritu in the party as unfair as he was a paid up member , who had declared interest to contest the gubernatorial seat.
“After soul searching I have found it wise to contest the slot as an independent candidate as I have the backing of Laikipians’ said Mburu.
He observed that giving Ndiritu a direct nomination was unconstitutional citing yet has been in the party for long.
“My supporters should know that I will contest now that I am still in the race for the gubernatorial contest this time as an independent candidate after realising the plans to.lock me out” said Mburu.
Gachara, the Jubilee Party Chairman in Laikipia said the party was looking for a person with capacity to deliver the seat.
“Jubilee party has been in talks with PNU leadership to release Ndiritu to our party which has a future,” said Gachara.
Others in the gubernatorial race are former Governor Joshua Irungu and his deputy Gitonga Kabugi and John Wakaba.
But supporters of Mburu say the move to endorse Ndiritu will not move them as they will vigorously campaign for their candidate in any platform.
Karanja Hiram said the action by the party to endorse another member from a rival outfit is punishable by law.
” Lets not dwell on that but Jubilee Party due to breach of contract is duty bound to refund the nomination fee that Mburu paid to the headquarters,” said Karanja.
