Sharp divisions in Azimio camp as gubernatorial race for Nairobi heats up

Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and the President of Kenya National Chambers of Commerce Richard Ngatia who have all expressed interest for Nairobi’s top seat hit the road on Sunday to rally residents to vote for them.

Kananu in the company of members of the Nairobi County Assembly and former Kasarani legislator Elizabeth Ongoro attended a church service in Kariokor where she insisted she will be on the ballot.

“Kama mama, nawaomba tano fresh, ile niko nayo nilionja nimejua shida ziko wapi na najua mkinipea miaka tano niko na solution,” said Kananu.

“Those people who have used money through corruption will never see the light of day in the leadership of Nairobi.”

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris meanwhile drummed up ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.

Elsewhere in Githurai 44, another team led by Wanyonyi and Former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru attended a church service where they called on residents to support their bid.

"Sisi tuko hapa we want to assure you that we are ready to give you back Nairobi, we are ready to transform Nairobi. Tunataka vijana wetu wasiishi maisha ya kubahatisha, tunataka kina mama wafanye biashara katika mazingira inayofaa,” said Wanyonyi. 

The leaders also told off Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders who have castigated President Kenyatta for showing support to ODM Leader Raila Odinga.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said:  "Wakati walikuwa wanajaribu kuongelesha Uhuru sisi hatukua tunalia lakini mheshimiwa Raila Odinga alipopita mtihani wanaanza kulia walitafuta hiyo support ya uhuru wakakosa sasa wanasema Raila ni project namna gani.”

Ngatia meanwhile took his campaigns to Ziwani but did little as rowdy youth interrupted the meeting, causing an early end.

The Nairobi gubernatorial race has also attracted Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja and former Starehe legislator Margaret Wanjiru who are in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance camp.