Fresh divisions have emerged among Azimio La Umoja gubernatorial candidates in Taita Taveta county over who should host the party's presidential candidate Raila Odinga when he visits the region on Tuesday.
A section of leaders from the coalition are accusing Jubilee and the incumbent Governor Granton Samboja of controlling the planned campaign rally without involving other affiliate parties.
In a press statement on Sunday, the leaders led by Narc gubernatorial hopeful Patience Nyange quashed earlier arrangements of the rally, citing lack of involvement.
“The previous meeting held to discuss Raila’s visit did not meet the fair threshold since it was only attended by Jubilee and ODM members. In respect to this, the resolutions made therefore stand null and void,” Nyange told journalists in Voi.
Nyange, who was flanked by party officials from ODM, Narc, DAP-Kenya, Wiper and Jubilee, said the venues that were agreed in the previous meetings to hold rallies were unfit to host the former Prime Minister due to low population.
“The venues are not fit for a presidential candidate worth his salt,” she said, pointing out that they have proposed fresh venues to hold the rallies.
Initially, Raila was scheduled to address roadside rallies at Wasinyi in Wundanyi, Kilulunyi in Mwatate and wrap up at Mwakiki in Voi.
The Star has learnt that the leaders are now pushing for change of the venues in what might escalate the rivalry between Samboja and his opponents within the Azimio coalition.
“We agreed that Raila lands in Wundanyi for a mega rally at Dawson Mwanyumba Stadium from 10am then proceeds to Mwatate on a meet the people tour at 1pm then for the final rally of the day in Tausa Stadium at 3pm,” Nyange said.
