NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24 — Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has ditched the ruling Jubilee Party, a co-anchor party in the Azimio la Umoja Movement, saying the ground had shifted to ODM.
ODM is a co-anchor party in Azimio Movement.
“We have officially moved to ODM. The Maa nation carries the Kenyan nation. This communities in our midst have consented the decision that we move to ODM where I will be contending as the governor of Kajiado county,” said Lenku adding that he had listened to his constituents and was only responding to their demands.
Lenku was expected to face it off with Jubilee’s gubernatorial aspirant David Nkedianye, who served as Kajiado’s first Governor, but choose to decamp days to the nominations.
“I wish therefore to say that I have heard the voice of my people. I have taken their instruction and have together with them moved to ODM. We believe the Azimio la Umoja that will take Baba to statehouse,” Lenku said.
The decamping of the Kajiado Governor complicating the matrix of fielding candidates within the Azimio la Umoja political umbrella.
In the event that affiliate parties within the Odinga’s movement field candidates in the Kajiado race then it might split their votes paving way for a smooth victory from their competitors.
“Our house has more than 24 bedrooms representing the parties that form Azimio la Umoja. We want to tell this decision is aimed at resolving the decision to take Baba to statehouse. Its by no means meant to spite or belittle any party but to take forward the aspiration of Azimio la Umoja,” Odinga said.
While welcoming Governor Lenku, Odinga insisted there will be no room for qualms when it comes fielding candidates as their main target is to clinch the top seat in government.
“There is no push and pull. Jubilee and ODM are friends. We are in Azimio’s bigger house where there are many rooms including ODM, Narc Kenya and Jubilee. We are together, our ambition is to form the next government and help our people,” said Odinga.
Lenku’s defection comes at a time the governing party has launched a rebranding campaign after a massive exodus of party members led by Deputy President William Ruto, it’s former Deputy Party Leader, to the United Democratic Alliance, an outfit that has gained monumental following.
UDA is yet to unveil its gubernatorial candidate in Kajiado. Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko is battling long-serving Kajiado South MP Katoo Ole Metito for the ticket. Former NTSA boss Fransic Meja is also eying the party ticket.
