A senior politician from Deputy President William Ruto’s (pictured) Rift Valley backyard seems to be working round the clock to secure the support of his political boss in the upcoming polls. Days after he was heckled by residents during the DP’s tour of the region, the man has been camping in Karen, literally. He’s been accompanying the DP to most of his events and sending out photos of himself chatting with the country’s second in command. The aim, Corridors of Power understands, is to send a message to the constituents and political rivals that he’s still the DP’s favourite for the seat, despite heckling and jeers. Talk about riding coattails.
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It appears some political aspirants are really giving incumbents sleepless nights in the race for 2022. Recently, a Jubilee MP in Nairobi allied to the Handshake team was forced to dodge ODM leader Raila Odinga’s public rally in his constituency. The legislator had planned to attend the rally and was to receive the former Prime Minister. However, he suddenly disappeared, leaving his colleagues in shock. According to those in the know, the lawmaker disappeared after he realised his competitor, a vocal human rights defender, was part of the team with Raila. The aspirant, who is trying her hand at politics for the first time, received a standing ovation with the crowd cheering and chanting her name throughout the event.
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Is a top presidential contender trying to intimidate some ‘small’ aspirants for the top seat from MtKenya to drop their bids in his favour? This seems to be the case after the politician personally made a phone call to an aspirant from Central Kenya who recently attacked his candidature. The man made a long phone call to the politician, who was in the company of his aides. The aides said the two spoke for more than 10 minutes, with the caller appearing to intimidate their boss for attacking him. The two are said to have exchanged bitter words with the senior politician warning that he would teach him a lesson if he wins the seat next year.
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Have contestants in a race to succeed a county boss from a most sought-after region developed cold feet as they position themselves for the 2022 election? This could be the case if their frantic call to an incumbent is anything to go by. A little bird whispers to Corridors that the callers have been beseeching the outgoing governor not to endorse any of the candidates in the race. The county chief appears to have ignored the calls and has since sponsored an opinion poll to gauge the candidates’ strengths. The county boss is said to be keen on making a choice based on the outcomes of the poll.
(Edited by V. Graham)
