Top Uhuru allies cause drama in church over Jubilee party ticket

juma chrispinus

April 30, 2017 5:03 PM

The two almost fought in Uhuru Kenyatta's key turf

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Two key allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta from his Murang’a County turf have clashed in a church service.

Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura and his rival Irungu Kang'ata have exchanged harsh words as the faithful watched, each accusing the other of rigging.

Mr Gitura claimed that the Kiharu MP (Mr Kang’ata) rigged in the primaries and was illegally declared the winner.

Two days ago, Mr Kang'ata was announced the winner of Jubilee Party ticket in the senate race after garnering 158,167 votes against Mr Gitura's 146,207 votes.

Earlier, Senate Deputy Speaker had petitioned the party to conduct fresh elections in Mathioya and Kiharu constituencies.

In his petition the senator said that his rival had exploited a loophole where voters whose names were missing in the register were allowed to vote.

“Several people used the loophole to vote at more than one polling station,” he said.

The senator said his fight against corruption in the county government had cost him as his rivals plotted his exit noting that opinion polls had shown that he was the preferred candidate.

“May be it is my crusade against corruption that got me where I am but whether you vote me in as your senator or not I will detest corruption with my whole being,” he noted.

In a quick rejoinder, however, Mr Kang'ata denied the allegations saying he does not have the resources to ferry voters.

“I urge the party to dismiss that appeal and uphold my win. Surely, in a county where you are dealing with thousands of people, how many will you ferry to tilt an election,” he posed.

Mr Kang'ata was served with the petition immediately after the service at St Joseph The Worker Mumbi Catholic Church in Murang'a town.

The incumbent claimed that he had won in 22 wards but Mr Kang'ata countered this statement saying he had won in four constituencies fairly.