This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
DP Ruto's Coast Conquest Fails as Kilifi Governor Rejects Millions ¶
November 10, 2019
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has rejected several attempts by Deputy President William Ruto to buy his support. The DP has been sending emissaries to the ODM Governor with millions of shillings and promises of being given a running mate position in 2022.
According to sources, Kilifi is an ODM stronghold and the only county in the country where all the MCAs are from the ODM Party. Governor Kingi has a huge influence in the county and has positioned himself as the indisputable Mijikenda King at the Coast.
DP Ruto's efforts to win over Governor Kingi have been unsuccessful, with the Governor instead positioning himself as a defender of the welfare of the Coastal people. He has won support across the region, making him a target of DP Ruto's camp.
DP Ruto has been trying to make inroads in Kilifi county after failing to do so in Mombasa, where Governor Hassan Joho's influence has been a major obstacle. However, his efforts have been hindered by the abrasive nature of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, who has been seen as too abrasive and not getting along with local leaders.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa has denied claims that she has been abandoned by Kilifi politicians, saying that they supported her when ODM wanted to discipline her but stopped when she declared her interest to vie for the Kilifi gubernatorial seat.
However, Kilifi Women Rep, Getrude Mbeyu, has rejected Jumwa's claims, saying that she will be in for a surprise if she thinks she doesn't have any vote to enable DP Ruto to win the 2022 General Election.
