Jubilee promises ODM battle in Homa bay, Kajiado central mini-polls

KISUMU, KENYA: The Jubilee coalition has scoffed at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) calls to be allowed to nominate an MP for Kajiado Central constituency instead of a by-election.

The National Alliance (TNA) secretary general and the national organising secretary of the United Republican Party (URP) George Ayugi called on ODM to prepare for a bruising political battle in Kajiado Central and Homa Bay.

Reacting to ODM leader Raila Odinga's remarks that the party should be given a chance to replace Joseph Nkaissery because he belonged to the party, the two officials termed the call an act of cowardice.

ODM criticised President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing Nkaissery to replace Joseph ole Lenku without consulting ODM and vowed to block the move.

But Oloo instead called on ODM to prepare for a political battle in Kajiado Central as Jubilee is determined to wrestle the seat from the opposition.

"ODM cannot be given the seat for free. Jubilee has the Senator's seat, all MPs except Kajiado Central and the governor and almost all the Members of the County Assembly in Kajiado. Now we have a chance to take Kajiado Central," Oloo said.

His sentiments were echoed by George Ayugi, the National Organising Secretary of the United Republican Party (URP).

"Raila is sensing defeat in Kajiado Central and that is why he wants to be given the seat for free. That is not democracy. URP as part of the Jubilee coalition is ready to support our candidate to take the seat," Mr Ayugi, who was the Jubilee coordinator in the 2013 elections said.

He said that Jubilee now has a big following in Nyanza and Raila should be ready for a battle royal in 2017 as the coalition is working on winning many seats in the region, rather than ask for free things.