"Karibu Eldoret," Mandago to NASA leaders

Two top politicians from North Rift’s Uasin Gishu County are set to play host to a NASA Coalition brigade at DP Ruto’s doorstep this Saturday as part of the coalition’s week-long tours to popularise the party.

Holding it that the opposition bigwigs have the right to visit any part of Kenya and talk to citizens, Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago and Turbo Member of Parliament Elisha Busienei have cautioned them against using abusive utterances while on the tour.

"They can hold as many rallies as they can; but they should desist from abusing others. Let them stop making statements that can threaten the peace we are currently enjoying," Busienei told the press.

On Wednesday, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga told NASA’s technical committee, coalition officials and a congregation that attended the launch of the NASA coalition at Okoa Kenya Secretariat that the new coalition will be holding public rallies to popularise it.

Speaking on the fateful day, after signing their coalition agreement, NASA top brass led by Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang'ula and Musalia Mudavadi said that they will be holding their first rally in Eldoret.

Jubilee stronghold

Busienei has termed the attempts by NASA to scotch for votes in the Rift Valley region a “storm in a cup of tea”, arguing that the region is under Jubilee, echoing Mandago’s earlier words.

“Now that they are coming to this county they should tell us what plans they have for the farmers and plans in terms of infrastructure development,”Busienei said.

Despite a warm welcome, Mandago preempted NASA leaders that their invasion in Eldoret won’t reap anything from the Ruto held area.

“They are free to come, but they will not get any vote in this county. The voter registration ended and we know this game is over, the numbers are out there and records speak for themselves,” Mandago told journalists earlier.

In 2014, however, Mandago opposed the then CORD brigade from gaining entry into Eldoret for a Saba Saba rally. Mandago blocked their entry citing lack of respect for the local leaders by Cord principals.

KANU influence

The visit by NASA leaders comes a day after the mother-party KANU pledged support for the re-election of incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking after the party’s National Executive Council Thursday meeting held at Lake Nakuru Lodge in NASA ground Nakuru County, Salat has said that the party is not part of the one-day old coalition, bringing to an end the anxiety that marred Okoa Kenya Secretariat meeting.

"It has been agreed that Kanu will support Uhuru in the polls. This follows a very wide consultation," Salat told journalists.

Read: AFTER SKIPPING NASA LAUNCH, KANU NOW DECLARES SUPPORT FOR UHURU'S RE-ELECTION BID

Critics argue that President Uhuru’s last week visit to the party pioneer Daniel Moi in Kabarnet Gardens in Nairobi is suspected to have tilted the can of votes from NASA’s pocket and is now destined for Jubilee.