This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Published on July 2, 2019
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has made a surprising U-turn in his political allegiance, distancing himself from Deputy President William Ruto and reaffirming his support for ODM leader Raila Odinga.
According to sources close to the MP, Baya's decision is a direct response to Ruto's endorsement of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa as his preferred candidate for the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in the 2022 general elections.
It is alleged that Ruto had asked Baya to step down from his governor ambitions and instead support Jumwa, whom he believed would be easier to sell to Kilifi county voters.
However, Baya's political camp was reportedly not pleased with this suggestion, given that he had already activated his campaign financiers abroad and locally. Sources claim that the MP has a foundation that receives foreign funding, while locally, he is counting on Mombasa Cement to finance his campaigns to the tune of millions.
The relationship between Baya and the proprietors of Mombasa Cement reportedly deepened during his tenure as Kilifi county secretary. It is claimed that Baya assisted the cement manufacturer in overcoming a high-profile battle spearheaded by his predecessor, Gideon Mung'aro, who wanted the company to surrender a large chunk of land to squatters.
Observers point out that Baya's move may be influenced by the cement tycoons, who are allegedly grooming him to block Mung'aro from becoming governor. Mung'aro, who is currently close to ODM leader Raila and Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, is seen as a potential threat to Baya's ambitions.
