President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to appoint a prominent billionaire as head of his campaigns in the Ukambani region has caused tension in the Jubilee coalition.

Kenyatta was meeting leaders from Ukambani region when he announced that wealthy businessman Peter Muthoka would spearhead campaigns for the repeat elections slotted for October 17.

The decision caught a section of political leaders by surprise as they had hoped to get the opportunity to head the campaigns in the perceived NASA stronghold.

After Kenyatta had chosen Muthoka, former Mwingi Central Joe Mutambo rose to the podium and indicated that he would want a private session with the President to address a “certain matter.”

However, the request was followed by a tense moment when Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko openly opposed Mutambo’s call for a private meeting with the Jubilee leader.

Sonko insisted the former MP should be busy campaigning on the ground.

"I want to say here that there should be no meeting to bring people together over issues we can resolve as Kamba leaders. We either unite to deliver the votes or fail in our plans," the Nairobi County boss retorted.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua followed Sonko’s cue and took a swipe at Mutambo, advising President Kenyatta to be wary of political brokers who have no following in Ukambani.

Before the August 8 election, Mutambo had acted as Jubilee’s political point-man while Muthoka headed a different team of professionals and businessmen.

Political leaders are reported to have settled on the prominent businessman because he is perceived as neutral and unlikely to mishandle the campaign resources that the Jubilee team is expected to allocate ahead of the repeat polls.