- Over the weekend speculations emerged that former Jubilee secretary general Raphael Tuju is vying for the county’s top seat.
- The Head of State asked Raila to ensure that Tuju has a safe political landing in his quest for an elective position.
A new twist in Nairobi's gubernatorial race could bring unrest in the Azimio la Umoja movement.
Over the weekend speculations emerged that former Jubilee secretary general Raphael Tuju is vying for the county’s top seat.
This comes barely a month after he resigned from the party leadership stating he had other duties assigned to him by the President Uhuru Kenyatta.
When reached for comment, Tuju told the Star that he has not decided on where he will be vying.
“I am still in consultation and everything else is still mere speculation,” he said.
Th former Rarieda MP had, however, confessed to have his options open to either vie in Nairobi or his home in Siaya.
Tuju also said that he is not a new face in the political arena based on his profile.
He hinted that he might seek an elective post in Nairobi, saying he had lived in city for 49 years since 1973.
“I have a home here and I can contest for any seat I want in Nairobi by collective leadership and consultation. I could focus on areas where I have an advantage,” he said.
Tuju last won an elective seat in 2002 as the MP for Rarieda constituency.
After being in politics for 2o years, Tuju said that he is not tired to serve Kenyans but the changes he has made in people’s lives is what keeps him going.
If he decides to go for the governor seat, he will be the eighth aspirant on the the ballot.
Others seeking the seat include the incumbent Governor Ann Kananu, businesswoman Agnes Kagure, president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Richard Ngatia, Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi and former Mike Sonko's spokesman Ben Mulwa.
Wanyonyi and Ngatia are all seeking the ticket under Azimio.
Kenya Kwanza Alliance has Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru seeking the seat.
Lawyer and political analyst Danston Omari opines that the possibility of Tuju running for governor is out of ‘debt’.
He claimed that both Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga owe Tuju for being the only person who managed to ‘push out ‘ Deputy President William Ruto from Jubilee.
“Tuju did tremendous work in Jubilee when he drove out Ruto and his supporters. If the President picks him for Nairobi, Raila will have no problem with that," he said.
"However, the tribe arithmetic in Nairobi leadership will be put to question."
Uhuru’s affection towards Tuju played out during the Jubilee National Delegates Convention at KICC last month where he put forth a strong case for him (Tuju) after he resigned.
The Head of State asked Raila to ensure that Tuju has a safe political landing in his quest for an elective position.
"Tuju loves his country, please I hand him over to you(Raila) whatever he is looking for despited being our Jubilee man don't frustrate him," Uhuru said.
Omari also highlighted that Tujus name is consequential in government and whether he runs for governor, Langata MP or goes back to Siaya , he will go where the President will advice.
However, he said the truth will be known between April 1-9 when political parties and coalition will reveal their candidates.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)