Poor handling of the Jubilee Alliance Party nominations has been blamed for Monday’s loss in the Kajiado Central by-election which was won by the Orange Democratic Movement.
Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi says the nominations were mismanaged by JAP, resulting in the loss of an ‘easy’ election.
“Incumbents do not lose obvious elections. Kajiado incompetently handled by JAP. Kibaki incompetence of 2007 led to war. 2017 is MONTHS away,” Ngunyi posted on Twitter.
His sentiments were echoed by analyst Ngunjiri Wambugu who cautioned the newly formed party officials to learn from the experience ahead of the 2017 General Election.
“Congratulations #Memusi. Well won fight. #JAP->You’ve lost a battle bt if you’ve learnt something you wldnt lose the war .. if not .. *smh*,” Wambugu pointed out.
READ: ODM retains Kajiado Central seat with Memusi’s win
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen admits that there was a blunder in the nomination stage saying JAP must manage their nominations well in future.
“Congratulations to my brother Hon. Elijah Memusi Kanchory. As JAP we must manage our nominations well. We didn’t have to lose our candidate,” he stated.
Memusi who won with 16,008 votes against Tutui’s 15,508 moved to ODM after losing to Tutui in the JAP nominations.
But for Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, it was a show of might for the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) against its bitter rival.
“Happy birthday and congratulations to Hon. Elijah Memusi. They should know people, we fight big wars,” he too posted on Twitter.
For Suna East Member of Parliament and Director of Elections in ODM Junet Mohammed, “Kajiado Central was a litmus test for 2017… Yes we will capture power.”
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula was also upbeat after the victory.
“Cord has defeated Jubilee (JAPanese) in every by-election since the 2013 General election… note!!! Watch this space,” he said.
Both President Uhuru Kenyatta and CORD leader Raila Odinga were involved in campaigning for their respective candidates.
On his part, State House Director of Digital and Diaspora communications Dennis Itumbi said, “Jubilee should take the loss & re-evaluate. I however note that it was an improved performance when compared to 2013.”
