Jubilee gears up to conduct joint primaries

Kenya: The two Jubilee Coalition partners have struck a deal to conduct a joint nomination exercise ahead of the Kajiado Central by-election.

The National Alliance (TNA) AND United Republican Party (URP) said they could not risk fielding rival candidates as this may disadvantage them from taking a seat that they term thirst for their taking.

Seven candidates who are seeking the coalition's ticket agreed to participate in the joint primaries that are scheduled to take place next week on Saturday.

The seven who were cleared yesterday are Leina Mpoke, Patrick Tutui, Elijah Memusi Kanchori, Antony Kiroken and Joyce Kimonjino of TNA, Lemaron Nkaato and Stephen Nkabashi of URP.

The aspirants were given a chance to give their views, with majority urging the coalition to ensure fair play during the nominations. "What we want is a fair play. Let the popular candidate win this by-election. We all belong to Jubilee," said Dr Mpoke.

His sentiments were echoed by Mr Kiroken and Kanchori, who warned MPs in the county against interfering with the primaries.

Although the seat was held by Orange Democratic Movement's Joseph Nkaissery who resigned to become the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Affairs, Jubilee has exuded confidence in clinching the seat on grounds that residents will reward the Government for appointing their former MP to Cabinet.

Addressing the Press at TNA headquarters in Nairobi yesterday, TNA Chairman Johnson Sakaja, Secretary Generals Onyango Oloo (TNA) and Fred Muteti (URP) said the candidates had resolved to rally behind whoever will emerge a winner.

"We have agreed that Jubilee is going to field a single candidate in an open, free and democratic process and today, we have assured all the candidates of our impartiality," Sakaja said.

Oloo announced that the coalition has set January 24 as the day for their joint primaries.

The Jubilee candidate will face off ODM's flag bearer in the March 16 by-election, which the Opposition has vowed to retain.

Sakaja appealed to all aspirants to maintain peace during the campaigns. "We are urging all of you to keep peace. Let's not divide our people or incite them in any way," he said.

 Muteti said whoever is going to win the Jubilee ticket will be the next Kajiado Central MP.

"We as Jubilee speak with one voice. There is no fight between TNA and URP. We are united and shall win the seat," he said.