Nyeri Jubilee nominees vow to work together in campaigns

Nyeri Nominated Leaders from left Mukami Rahab(Nyeri women Rep), Wahome Gakuru(Nyeri Governor), Ephraim Maina(Nyeri Senator), Anthony Kiai(Mukuru-ini) and Rigathi Gachagua(MP.Mathira) addresses the media at Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday 11/05/17. They urge losers to join them to campaign for Uhuru as Jubilee 2017 president 2017.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Jubilee nomination winners are ganging up to counter a wave of independent candidates in the region.

The nominees vowed to work together to ensure the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 8 General Election.

The group, which comprised aspirants for both national and county assembly seats as well as gubernatorial and senatorial positions, said they would set aside their personal differences and work together.

The unity pact brought together two perceived political rivals; the family of the late Governor Nderitu Gachagua, whose brother, Rigathi Gachagua, is aspiring for Mathira Parliamentary seat, and Senatorial aspirant Ephraim Maina.

Mr Gachagua said he had reached out to Mr Maina to end perceived bad blood between them.

“I know for years there has been discord between Gachagua and Maina but I choose to look past our differences to ensure we have a unified party for the sake of the national and county interests,” he said.

PEACEFUL CAMPAIGNS

Gachagua said the team would also champion peaceful campaigns and harmony ahead of the election.

The group appointed Maina their chairperson and is expected to spearhead campaign for Uhuru’s reelection in the county.

“We have almost 500,000 votes in Nyeri County and we need to work together to make sure everyone votes for Uhuru,” said Maina.

The group accused candidates who lost the party primaries of going back on their promise to support the winners.

“Those claiming to be in support of President Kenyatta’s re-election but have abandoned the party are deceiving voters,” said Maina.

Maina said the team would work to ensure that all the Jubilee candidates were elected in the polls.