This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
Published on July 21, 2019, several Jubilee Party leaders have denied allegations that they are using the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga to popularise the latter for a 2022 presidential bid.
Members of the Kieleweke team, which includes Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town), Muturi Kigano (Kangema), Mercy Gakuya (Kasarani), and Wangari Mwaniki (Kigumo), have come out to refute the claims.
Mr. Wambugu pointed out that the Tangatanga faction is behind the claims, saying its members are the ones claiming they are being used by the Opposition to popularise the Orange Democratic Movement leader.
“During campaigns, we printed the President’s photo as the main one on posters while ours remained small. We told locals we would defend him in his tenure and that is what we are doing,” Mr. Wambugu said at Kanyenyaini Catholic Church in Kangema, Murang'a County.
Ms. Mwaniki said the Tangatanga brigade are opposed to the handshake since they are "not for peace and thrive on chaos".
Mr. Kigano emphasized that they will continue taking directions from the President as there are no other centres of power.
Ms. Gakuya took a swipe at a section of Mt Kenya leaders accusing them of "talking too much" without seeking advice from their seniors.
