Details of a four-hour meeting to broker a deal among Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party candidates for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat have emerged.
During an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, April 21, Jubilee Party aspirant, Polycarp Igathe, disclosed that top principals of the coalition convened a meeting at State house, Nairobi with the aim of brokering a deal among the candidates.
Azimio principals present at the meeting were President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Igathe disclosed that the coalition settled on him as the flag bearer after reaching out to Richard Ngatia, Anne Kagure, incumbent governor, Anne Kananu, and Westlands Member of Parliament, Tim Wanyonyi.
He added that the official communication will be made today (Friday, April 22) as the principals remained to discuss other logistics such as the suitable running mate.
On April 21, reports emerged that the Igathe will be deputised by former Kibwezi MP, Philip Kaloki, contrary to earlier reports that the seat would go to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, Tim Wanyonyi.
“I have personally reached out to all the major candidates who have been running for the gubernatorial seat, Ngatia, Kagure, and Wanyonyi.
"What is confirmed is what comes out from our party leaders. It is really about winning together, not winning alone. That communication will be fully public tomorrow (April 22),” he stated.
In response to reports that the meeting was heated as some of the candidates were opposed to his candidature, the corporate guru stated that there was no dispute among them, adding that all the candidates had a cordial relationship.
“There is no crisis and I think that we should not manufacture one. The rest who will not be able to fly the flag will be part of the administration and party moving forward.
“There is a lot of cordiality among persons vying for elective seats. Elections are not a gladiator sport where you go and watch people getting their heads cut off or eaten by lions,” he stated.
Igathe’s proposed candidature has caused cracks among coalition members even as a section of leader from Western Kenya insisted the Azimio ticket be given to Wanyonyi.
They stated that Igathe announced his candidature late, after a majority of the aspirants had spent months campaigning.
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