Isiolo Governor Race: PNU, Jubilee Broker Deal

Kenneth Turibu Maore of PNU, who was running for governor of Isiolo has withdrawn from the race.

Mr Maore dropped his bid in favor of Abdi Ibrahim Guyo of the Jubilee party as a result of an agreement mediated by Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party.

The plan aims to save the Azimio coalition’s chances of winning the county’s top position in the face of mounting pressure from former Governor Godana Doyo, whose comeback received a huge boost last week after UDA candidate Hussein Tene abandoned his ambition.

In a meeting with the Ameru community in Isiolo town, Agriculture CS and PNU leader Peter Munya revealed the agreement.

Read: UDA Isiolo Governor Candidate Hussein Tene Drops Bid in Favour of Doyo

The agreement which will see Mr Turibu appointed to the position of Chief Administrative Secretary in Raila’s administration.

According to CS Munya, the working agreement was reached to guarantee that an Azimio candidate is elected to office.

The alliance had determined that sending some of its candidates to the ballot would reduce the coalition’s prospects of triumphing.

“We have done a research and established that if we do not organize ourselves (as Azimio) we could lose to the former Governor who has joined Deputy President William Ruto’s camp,” the CS said.

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If Guyo is elected in the upcoming elections, the Ameru community will gain two county executive slots and three chief officer jobs, while the Garre community will receive one cabinet slot.

According to Munya, Azimio had also chosen Mwenda Thuranira (PNU) as its candidate for the Isiolo North contest in order to collaborate with Guyo and Jubilee leaders for other countywide elective seats.

In a recent poll conducted by Trends & Insights Africa (Tifa) between July 5 and July 6, the former governor had a 45 percent approval rating, followed by Guyo at 34 percent and Halakhe Waqo of the ODM in third place with 4 percent.

To guarantee strict adherence, the CS stated that the agreement will be lodged with the Registrar of Political Parties.

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In order to maximize the likelihood that one of the Azimio candidates would win the county’s top seat in the upcoming elections, Turibu said he had agreed to withdraw his bid in the spirit of the Handshake.

“We realised that all of us (in Azimio) proceeding to the ballot would limit our chances. I have accepted the proposal and ask my supporters to rally behind Mr Guyo,” he said.

Mr Thuranira, one of the front-runners vying to unseat Hassan Odha, the MP for Isiolo North, urged the electorate to keep the peace before, during, and after elections.

“We are rooting for peaceful campaigns. When my opponents come to you, welcome them and treat them well but vote for me in the August elections so that we bring the change that our people have been longing for and end the challenges you have been facing,” said Thuranira.

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Senator Fatuma Dullo, Mr Munya, and Mr Guyo rallied support for Raila, who they said was best qualified to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Voting for Raila Odinga will allow CS Munya to continue serving Kenyans. We commit (as Azimio leaders) to peaceful campaigns that will unite all Isiolo residents and ensure leadership for all,” Ms Dullo said.

Guyo declared that his administration would place a high priority on empowerment of women, young employment creation, and growth.

“Isiolo is for all communities and no resident is here on invitation from anyone. I will ensure interests for all communities are safeguarded in my government,” he said.