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Miserly presidential hopeful won't facilitate grumbling allies

They okedgeboycott the events unless he comes up with a budget for them

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by POLITICAL DESK

Realtime22 October 2021 - 12:18
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In Summary


  • Coast youths complain a famous politician is a cheapskate who doesn't pay them to show up at rallies and cheer. They want to be paid for their zeal and votes.
  • Iconic footbridge damaged by a trailer carrying an excavator in December 2020, NMS was to erect temporary steel support structure.
President Uhuru Kenyatta speak during Mashujaa day celebration on 20, October 2021 at Wang’uru stadium in Kirinyaga county.

A presidential hopeful seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta (pictured) could soon be a lone ranger after allies from his backyard threatened to boycott his political activities. They have accused the popular politician of being a burden to them though their colleagues in other camps are enjoying all the financial privileges from their leaders. The allies, who comprise members of the National Assembly and Senate, claim that the man has denied them facilitation. They are forced to dig deeper into their pockets to sustain their upkeep whenever they accompany him. An MP tells Corridors he has been spending an average of Sh200,000 per rally whenever he accompanies his party leader. His 'allies' have pledged to boycott the events unless he comes up with a budget for them.

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A recent visit by a renowned politician to the Coastal region has left many unsettled. Reason? The young people who were mobilised to attend the meetings complain the local MP who was the focal point of the tour did not let the promised cash flow to them. They complain that the MP only had the vehicles ready to ferry them and the campaign merchandise but no liquid money. The youths now want the big man to change his ground man and have someone else who will put money in their pockets. This time, they say, they will demand their cut before attending the meetings. 

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Residents of a popular estate in Nairobi’s Kasarani area were stunned after a senior police officer based at Kiambu Road headquarters was locked out by the landlord for not paying rent for three and half years. The once high-ranking member of the defunct Flying Squad has been entertaining slay queens with alcohol and nyama choma, leaving his family without food. Since getting locked out, the embarrassed cop has shifted his drinking sprees to a nearby estate and is now using his connections to harass the adamant landlord.

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A governor from Rift Valley is said to have confided to his political godfather that he might not be reelected. A week ago, he is said to have commissioned an opinion poll that showed his dwindling popularity and support. A source in the know has told Corridors of Power that the county boss told the party leader that the wave in his county was taking a different direction that could sweep him away in the August 2022 General Election. He is said to have explained to the politician that supporting him now is a gamble. The governor is said to have been facing a rough time recruiting MPs and MCAs to support the politician. The man is said to have been encountering cold reception whenever he tours his expansive county.

 

(Edited by V. Graham)

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