There’s more to Tuju statement on mini-poll

Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju’s remarks that there was high level consultation between the ruling party and ODM before the latter withdrew from Wajir West by-election has raised speculations that all is not well in the outfit.

The statement was perceived by many quarters as intended to discredit Deputy President William Ruto, who had already grabbed attention for having midwifed the deal single-handedly and thus dealing Raila Odinga-led party a major blow just after twin loss in Ugenya and Embakasi South.

Dr Ruto even hosted ODM candidate Mohamed Elmi at his Karen home where he proceeded to ditch the Orange party for the ruling coalition.

Ruto had also claimed credit in the wins of David Ochieng of Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) Party and Julius Mawathe of Wiper.

Was Jubilee trying to save face for Raila after sensing defeat or was it the continuation of the perceived political wrangles pitting President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto.

The Grapevine has learnt that the Ruto’s camp was not happy with the statement issued at the party’s Pangani Headquarters.