A further split has emerged among allies of Deputy President William Ruto with Governor Jackson Mandago leading a new political axis in the North Rift.

The group seeks to control politics and upstage the influence of Ruto’s aides.

Mandago, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and State House political advisor Joshua Kuttuny have agreed to work together to champion what they describe as the interests of the Kalenjin community and the people of Rift Valley at large.

The four campaigned together to win the just-concluded Jubilee primaries.

They claimed there was a plot by Ruto’s aides to interfere with the primaries in favour of other preferred aspirants.

The four won in their respective areas and have planned to sustain their momentum until until August 8.

“We are the team that will stand for the interests of the people, not for selfish interests,” Sudi said.

During their campaigns, Sudi and his colleagues accused Ruto’s aides of undermining them and the community.

Mandago and Sudi named Farouk Kibet and Isaac Maiyo as the aides attempting to meddle in the region’s politics.

The two, however, denied the allegations.

“These are the people who want to mess our plan to have DP Ruto take over power in 2022 and we will not allow them to do that,” Sudi said.

Keter said the duo wanted weak aspirants to win the primaries, “yet the DP needs a strong team in readiness for the 2022 polls”.

Mandago won the Jubilee primaries against businessman Bundotich Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, while Sudi defeated former UN employee Steve Kewa.

Keter defeated Ruto’s aide Emmanuel Tallam, while Kuttuny made a comeback in Cheranganyi where he defeated incumbent Wesley Korir.

Those who lost were thought to have the backing of the DP’s aides, a claim that was also denied.

Mandago’s profile has been rising within the Nandi community.

He is thought to be a courageous and independent leader who can fight for the rights of the community.

Ruto had said he would not interfere with the primaries in the Rift Valley, but his hand in the process was seen through the aides.

After winning the primaries, Mandago led the new group around Eldoret and other areas thanking voters for standing with them.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen was also accused of interference, though he denied the allegation.

BARELY four days after the National Supper Alliance lineup was unveiled, its five principals have embarked on a mission to put their house in order and lay strategies to see them win on Election Day August 8.

On Thursday, Raila Odinga was announced the NASA torchbearer, Kalonzo Musyoka his running mate, Musalia Mudavadi the Premier Cabinet Secretary and Moses Wetang’ula and Isaac Rutto his deputies.

A litany of mistakes, internal wrangles, bungled party nominations, confused tactics and poor strategy cost Raila the presidency in 2013.

Raila got 43.7 per cent of the vote compared to 50.07 per cent for Uhuru, and later contested the results at the Supreme Court.

Among the contributing factors to Raila's dismal performance in 2013 was the way ODM nominations were conducted. They were very messy, especially in Nyanza and Western Kenya, where unpopular candidates were given party nomination certificates. As a result, many Raila supporters did not turn up to vote on Election Day.

Franklin Bett, a one-time Comptroller of State Houses, who chaired ODM’s elections board at the 2013 election, had no kind words for Raila.

“He had divided attention: From dealing with the aftermath of bad nominations to looking for votes himself. His worst mistake was the people he hired to help him. They messed him up a great deal.”

Bett spoke in 2014, the year after the bitter loss.

During the ongoing party nominations, the NASA standard-bearer has completely kept off his party’s nominations, which have seen some of his key lieutenants floored in hotly contested races.

Raila even took the precaution of publicly warning the ODM Elections Board to respect the will of the people.

Back in 2013, Raila's most trusted aides were blamed for laying the ground for his defeat. The aides fought among themselves for control of campaign funds, undermined each other throughout the campaign, and, in some cases, pocketed millions of shillings meant to facilitate party activities.

Recruitment, management and payment of party agents across the country, and especially in Central Kenya, was so poor that agents in some cases signed away results after they were paid off by Jubilee.

The Star has now established that top on the agenda of the NASA team is how to hit the ground running to popularise the Raila-Kalonzo ticket and stem any possibility of voter apathy in their strongholds, especially in Ukambani and Western.

It is said that of most concern to the five principals and the Technical Committee are fears that Ukambani, South Nyanza, parts of Coast and the Luhya nation may not turn out in enough numbers to bolster the Raila-Kalonzo bid.

“We have no time on our side, the next move is now to market our team across the country, beginning shortly,” Suna East MP and ODM director of elections Junet Mohamed yesterday, speaking to the Star.

He added: “We don't expect voter apathy in our traditional strongholds because the team we have is strong enough to send the Jubilee government home”.

The other matter the principals pondered on for days on end before the lineup was announced was how Kalonzo would explain to his Ukambani backyard why he shelved his presidential bid, despite repeatedly affirming that he could not “sacrifice my ambition at age 63”.

“It is an issue that came up every time the principals met to discuss how to pick the flagbearer. Kalonzo always pointed out that he was under immense pressure from his community to run and his name missing on the ballot would puncture the hopes of his Kamba people,” a well-placed source who was part of the negotiating team told the Star.

On Thursday, Kalonzo put on a brave face, saying though he was determined fly the NASA flag, having sacrificed his bids in 2002 and 2013, he had concluded that Kenya was bigger than himself.

Kalonzo’s allies have previously accused Raila of disregarding an alleged 2013 deal to support him in this year’s race for State House, repeatedly and heatedly warning that the Kamba community would not take it lightly.

Apart from merging the NASA presidential campaign teams under one unit, Raila, according to sources at his Capitol Hill office, says that he has installed a team of experts to review and propose new tactics to correct what he believes was his undoing in the disputed 2013 election.

Well aware of UhuRuto’s massive resources and state machine, NASA’s think tanks are spending sleepless nights planning how to mobilise a war chest for a successful campaign widely expected to be the most expensive in Kenyan electioneering history.

Those close to Raila say he will spare nothing, be it resources – especially intellectual and financial – in his final presidential bid to decisively win the polls in the first round of voting.

Political observers also think that the next three months to the August 8 election could be the hardest for the NASA principals, as they will be put on their guard to fight back the ruling Jubilee's schemes to divide them.

In the run-up to the 2013 election, politicians around Raila, mainly from his Nyanza backyard, were blamed for his repeated downfalls.

Months before Raila was named the flagbearer last week, he had already constituted a 14-member campaign committee, which largely excluded his traditional advisers and was made up of top businessmen and figures from civil society.

The team, whose role was to meet weekly to brief and review Raila’s strengths and weaknesses, had slowed down for about three-and-a-half months but has been fully reactivated now.

To eliminate any chances of foul play,

Raila has already announced that his team will be running a parallel system to that of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission using European ICTs.

At the 2013 election, Cord (now NASA) complained about fraud in the transmission and tallying of results.

The five principals have divided the country into 14 distinct regions as per the Bomas Draft Constitution of 2005 defeated in Kenya’s first ever referendum in November that year. In clusters of these regions, each principal will be responsible for coordinating the campaigns.

Another key move since 2013 has been Raila’s aligning himself with civil society activists who are uncomfortable with the Jubilee administration’s adversarial attitude towards non-governmental organisations.

Some civil society activists, including anti-Jubilee crusader David Ndii, have attended various NASA formative events.

Our sources in Raila’s inner circle indicate that two foreign public relations companies have been hired and have already started some work on Raila’s image.

They are reported to be behind Raila’s most hard-hitting statements of recent weeks and days targeted at the Kenyatta Administration.

In 2013, Uhuru recruited British PR company BTP Advisers, consulted by many state parties around the world, at great expense, to manage his campaign messages. It was BTP that advised Jubilee to use the ICC to win votes by presenting UhuRuto as victims of an international conspiracy.

By contrast, in 2013, Raila's team gave marketing contracts to inexperienced friends and relatives. Raila's son Junior was entrusted to implement key marketing messages.

Wiper governor nominee Wavinya Ndeti has extended an olive branch to her competitor Bernard Kiala in the just concluded party primaries.

Wavinya won the ticket for the Machakos governor seat with 299,312 votes against Kiala's 4,663.

Kiala had obtained a court order barring Wiper from conducting the primaries since Wiper already had an agreement with Wavinya's CCU to give her a direct ticket.

"I felt insecure going into a nomination when this kind of agreement signed by Wiper leader [Kalonzo Musyoka] is in force. I felt like I was walking into a trap," he told journalists on Sunday.

More on this: Wavinya Ndeti protests as Wiper postpones Machakos governor nominations

But Wavinya described Kiala as a worthy competitor, adding "there is room for everybody".

"Kiala is like a brother and I love him. Machakos county is bigger than any of us and now that we are in the same party, he should come join me so that we work together," she said on Monday.

She said out of respect to Wiper party, she subjected herself to the primaries despite the agreement that guaranteed her a direct ticket.

"[Kalonzo] found it very difficult to ask me to go into nominations with Kiala when there was an already signed agreement.

"But since I was confident and knew I had done my groundwork very well, I overlooked it and decided we battle it out in public," she said.

Wavinya thanked residents for turning up in large numbers to vote and assured them of real development should she win in the August 8 elections.

She will be facing off with incumbent Governor Alfred Mutua who will be vying on a Maendeleo Chap Chap ticket.

ODM Appeals Tribunal was forced to suspend its Monday sittings after suspected goons stormed their meeting at Marsh Park hotel on Ngong road.

The men dressed in black stormed the premises when the tribunal was hearing a complaint lodged by aspirants from Nyakach constituency where Aduma Owuor won the primaries.

The men are said to have roughed up and assaulted some of the aspirants who were meeting to challenge nomination results.

Some aspirants were reportedly attacked in the corridors as they struggled to get a chance to present their complaints.

Though the Star could not ascertain where the men came from, sources allege the goons were hired by some aspirants to prevent their opponents from challenging their victories.

Tribunal chair Willis Otieno led members in vacating the premises and suspended sittings until further notice.

ODM concludes its primaries on Monday but the process has been marked by chaos and confusion.

During the 2013 primaries, men dressed in black stormed the Kasarani stadium where the party was holding nominations, smashing ballot boxes and scattering voting papers. The process was then called off.

More on this: 'Men in black' are ODM party security, Raila now admits

Samuel Abisai, winner of the Sh221 million SportPesa jackpot, was treated to a Limousine ride and a red carpet ceremony on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old won the betting firm's biggest payout in African history, something he has described as "unbelievable but very good news".

Abisai was picked from his home along Thika Road in Nairobi in a white Limousine and taken to Carnivore Restaurant.

The company tweeted: "This is how millionaires travel! Now you know!"

One of the vehicles that accompanied the Limousine that picked Sh221 million SportPesa jackpot winner Samuel Abisai from his home along Thika Road to Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi, May 2, 2017. /SPORTPESA​​

At the restaurant, a red-carpet ceremony was held in honour of the man who correctly predicted all 17 games.

A Nyanza man whose wife is a die-hard supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga will only get his estranged wife back if the NASA presidential candidate wins the election.

In a video that has gone viral, the man jokingly tells of his plight while washing dishes in the company of a friend.

He has been taking care of his children and doing house chores since his wife left 10 years ago.

The man's friend says his wife abandoned him after the Opposition leader lost the presidential election.

He adds: "His wife...has promised to come back only if the NASA flag bearer wins this year's election."

Raila and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka will vie against President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto who want a second term.

The ODM leader unsuccessfully ran for president in 1997, 2007 and 2013. This year's election has been termed his last chance and he said he will not complain of rigging again.

The friend then asks the man if he will remarry or remain single should Raila lose again. The man may be lonely but says he has no problem washing dishes and taking care of his children.

"I will continue washing dishes until Raila wins. My wife and kids will come back only after Tinga wins the presidential seat," he says.

Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW5g4rxGUo0&feature=youtu.be

Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President Uhuru Kenyatta's "number two and his people" of targeting his foundation as part of a vendetta.

The Wiper leader and NASA deputy president candidate could be arrested over allegations that Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation laundered money and diverted donor funds.

The NGOs Coordination Board said the charitable trust received Sh50 million from China that could not be traced and could not account for a total of Sh146 million

More on this: Kalonzo Foundation shut over Sh146m unaccounted cash

But Kalonzo told the press in Karen, Nairobi, that the allegations "hit below the belt", were "disheartening" and only aimed at intimidating him for no good reason.

"We know people who were driven by vendetta and it is number two and his people," he said. "I am not exonerating [President Uhuru Kenyatta] but I would be very surprised if he would besmirch a family."

He did not give names.

Kalonzo asked the government to separate politics from NGO activities saying the organisations only empower members of the public.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana earlier accused the President of using the NGOs Coordination Board and independent commissions to intimidate NASA principals.

Regarding the foundation, the county chief said: "It seems [the government] is getting instructions from somebody with the aim of blackmailing Kalonzo."

Read more: State using NGOs board to intimate Kalonzo, weaken NASA - Kibwana

Kalonzo further said he will not be intimidated by anybody from the NGO.

"Yes, Sh50 million was given as a dummy cheque. The Chinese brought the materials and built five primary schools," he said.

On the board's executive director Fazul Mahamad, the Wiper chief said in Kiswahili: Huyu Fazul ni [nani]? Leo anaandika hili, kesho anandika lingine (Who is this Fazul? He writes one thing today and another tomorrow)."

He repeated: "I won't be intimidated. If I take a stand, [that is the end] and also said "Nothing will shake my resolve to bring the kind of change that the country needs".

Kalonzo and ODM leader Raila Odinga will take Uhuru and DP William Ruto in the August 8 general election.

"Fazul must resign"

The Opposition leader said he had not received an official letter from the board, which he claimed was keen on tainting his image.

Kalonzo further said he is not afraid of the possibility of money laundering charges.

He further attacked Mahamad saying he has turned the board into a one-man show and that he "doesn't even have papers".

Kalonzo said the letter given to the media was not genuine and that it was influenced by other parties.

"There are people who met and came up with this letter that was served to the media and not served to me. Hata najua penye walikutana kudraft hii barua (I know where they met to write this letter)," he said. 

 He said the executive director "must be stopped" and must resign.

"If they thought I would be afraid, they are mistaken. He should resign and go home. It is a shame. He should apologise to Kenyans for the damage he has caused the foundation and the people who benefit from it," he said.

"The foundation has helped more than 2,000, mainly disadvantaged, young Kenyans. I have never heard of a situation where Fazul can freeze an account without a court order."

Read: NGO board chair Fazul Mahamed grilled over degree

Also read: Ombudsman declares NGO board boss Fazul unfit for public office

Mahamad announced that the organisation's accounts have been frozen and the board of directors dissolved.

Kalonzo is a Trustee and the Patron. Other officials are his wife Pauline Kalonzo (Trustee and Chairperson), his son Kennedy Musyoka (Secretary) and Martha Mulwa (Treasurer).

The letter from the NGO Coordination Board was addressed to the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation (KMF), Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Bankers Association, Investment and Mortgages (I&M) Bank, and the Director of Criminal Investigations.

According to KMF sources, one of the foundation's accounts has Sh300,000 and another Sh500,000. It is from these two accounts that it has been running Mama Malia School.

NASA is deploying market research to gauge Presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s popularity and map out the country ahead of its epic battle with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The NASA Pentagon is also mobilising a massive financial war chest, bringing on board wealthy and influential businesspeople to sustain a formidable campaign against the moneyed ruling Jubilee Party.

These behind-the-scenes details emerged after the opposition’s two-day retreat at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

ODM, Raila’s political vehicle, is set to unveil the former Prime Minister formally as its presidential flag bearer tomorrow.

The Orange party’s National Delegates’ Convention to be held at the Kasarani Gymnasium will bring together delegates from all the 47 counties as its think-tanks put finishing touches on what they have crafted as “an unstoppable Brand Raila”.

The Star has established that the Alliance’s technical wing, mostly technocrats and academics, have mapped the country to guide their campaigns.

The mapping is based on an undisclosed opinion poll whose results remain secret, although the findings were discussed extensively during the retreat and other meetings.

The technical team, credited for crafting the NASA lineup, will also double as the Presidential campaign team.

It comprises Dr David Ndii, Dr Dan Ameyo, Dr Mutakha Kangu, Koitamet ole Kina and Abubakar Zein.

All the five NASA chiefs, Raila, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang’ula and Isaac Rutto, attended the Vipingo retreat.

Tomorrow Raila will officially be nominated by ODM for the nation’s top job at a colourful ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.

The nod by the ODM top decision-making organ comes just a week after the NASA Pentagon endorsed the former Prime Minister as the joint opposition Presidential candidate.

The twin high profile endorsements now give the ODM leader the impetus to kick off on a journey that he says was cut short in 2013 through the “stolen election”.

ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen told the Star that all the NASA captains have been invited but ODM’s “international friends” may not attend.

“Because of the timing, we might not be able to have that [the international guests], although we sent invitations. This is coming in on the heels of many momentous events. We have just had the NASA process being concluded, we have just had our primaries, which are still at the appeals stage. So we didn’t so much focus externally this time round,” Ong’wen told the Star.

In 2013, Raila’s presidential nomination event was attended by many foreign leaders, including Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change leader and former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

During the meeting tomorrow, the NASA Principals will be expected to rally the delegates behind their campaign against President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The event will be attended by the Party’s top brass –– the National Executive Council, all ODM governors, MPs and delegates from across the country.

Also expected at the meeting are national officials of the ODM Women’s League, national officials of the ODM Youth League, members of the National Elections Board and the Majority and Minority leaders of the County Assemblies.

The opposition plan is to garner at least 65 per cent of the votes in perceived battlegrounds and make inroads on Jubilee turf.

Among the battlegrounds marked by NASA as potential strongholds are Kajiado and Narok.

The Raila team is also eying substantial votes in Meru and the South Rift.

“The technocrats are being very meticulous this time round. They are keen not to repeat the mistakes of 2013,” a source familiar with the details told the Star.

It is understood that after Raila’s nomination, NASA will stage its first rally in Nakuru –– a region largely considered to be Jubilee turf.

Siaya Senator James Orengo, his Machakos counterpart Johnson Muthama and Isiolo Deputy Governor Mohamed Gulled said they have evaluated the numbers and NASA “cannot lose to Jubilee”.

“There is no way Jubilee is going to win,” Orengo said, brimming with confidence.

“We have looked at the numbers in all ways and would like to assure Kenyans that we will win. We therefore owe it to all Kenyans to be vigilant and ensure that they have a level playing field to choose their preferred leaders at all levels – namely Presidential, parliamentary and county governance.”

Orengo disclosed that the team agreed on rolling out various campaign activities and that the diary will be ready before the end of this week.

Prominent businessmen, among them Jimmy Wanjigi and David Langat, are part of many affluent supporters that will help in the mobilisation of campaign cash.

Wanjigi was part of the delegates who attended Raila’s unveiling as the NASA flagbearer in Uhuru Park.

Langat, a major businessman at the Coast, is the head of the DL Group of Companies. He is believed to have fallen out with Deputy President William Ruto after the 2013 polls.

In the run-up to the last election, Raila held a series of fundraisers, including an exclusive Sh1-million-a-plate dinner, to mobilise funds.

According to the NASA political schedule, after Raila’s nomination tomorrow, the alliance will launch its manifesto.

“It will be a contract worth the signature of every Kenyan,” Raila promises.

The Pentagon will then hit the road for a gruelling presidential campaign that they say, “Will be like no other”.

“We shall take no county or village for granted. We will go to each of the 47 counties,” Raila vowed.

Muthama yesterday told the Star they, “Will scour every village to unseat Jubilee”.

“We are ready and prepared for campaigns in every corner of this country. Preparations are in very high gear. As Raila said, it will be a campaign like none other that has ever taken place in this country,” Muthama concluded.

A cook in Kericho county on Wednesday pulled a surprise to win the Jubilee Party ticket for Waldai ward in Belgut constituency.

In Kiambu where mechanic Cyrus Omondi, popularly known as Gearbox, was elected.

Thirty-five year old Gearbox was elected MCA in Kiambu county for the Kahawa Wendani ward.

The 35-year-old is a father of two whose first sojourn into politics was in 2006. He was the chair of the Kawaha youth initiative called GAFFE. While at the helm, his pet project was tackling insecurity.

Daniel Ng’etich(pictured), who has been a cook for seven years at Sosiot Girls Secondary School, won with 2,250 votes against the incumbent MCA John Too, who managed 1,300.

Nge’tich was described as a humble and fervent prayer warrior. He told the Star he is happy the people of Waldai ward nominated him. “It is the love of the people that saw me win the ticket. I had nothing in my account to run a well-oiled campaign machine,” Nge’tich told the Star on the phone.

The diploma holder in Business Technology said “there is hope and no one should give up on their dreams”.

“I have been a cook for all these years but in me I had that calling that one day I will serve the people in a public office. God has opened that door and I am ready,” he said.

The father of two said he will prioritise development projects, education, roads and health.

His leadership style will be driven by consultation.

“I want to breathe new hope in the leadership of Waldai. I will open the doors and consult widely with the people so that the projects we are undertaking help the people,” Nge’tich said.

He will give priority to youth empowerment and women by initiating projects tailored to create jobs for the two groups.

During his early years, Ng’etich preached in local churches and was also a famous Sunday school teacher in vocation Bible schools. He is a member of the Cheribo African Gospel Church.

NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga has said he will serve for one term if elected President during the August 8 polls.

Raila on Thursday said he will run the nation under the guidance of a MoU signed by the five NASA principals.

The coalition also has Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya), Isaac Rutto (CCM) and Musalia Mudavadi (ANC).

The former Prime Minister further stated the Pentagon principals will share power in line with the Constitution.

He cleared fears of a possibility of amending the Constitution to ensure the five get a share of positions if NASA wins.

The Opposition leader, who was unveiled as NASA flag bearer on April 27, said the MoU binds him to vie for one term as President.

"But if the alliance does not win the August election, the agreement will not hold water."

He also dismissed fears that the coalition will disintegrate in the event the team loses the presidential poll.

"Even if 2 members walk out, the coalition will remain intact," Raila said in a Citizen TV interview.

The ODM leader said their agreement lasts for 5 years further noting that the proposed position will be delegated under the coalition.

"The constitution gives the president powers to create positions without amending the supreme law," Raila said.

Read: How Wetangula, Rutto made Raila the Nasa flagbearer

On ODM nominations, Raila said he left the party's national elections board to handle the process.

The opposition chief said he took a hands-off approach to ensure democracy prevailed in the primaries.

He thanked members for the minimal cases of chaos and violence during the primaries.

"I feel ODM did pretty well in the nominations, compared to last time, I personally did not involve myself in nomination affairs."

"Allegations that I influenced the choice of candidates elected in the ODM nominations are unfounded," he said.

Raila further stated that he has nothing against those who decided to run as independent candidates after losing the polls.

He maintained that results of the general elections must be announced at the constituency level for the sake of transparency and accountability.

"The Supreme Court already ruled that a Returning Officer has the mandate to announce results that are considered as final. So, this has to be followed."

He called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to accept defeat if the NASA team beats Jubilee Party in the poll.

Raila pledged to also abide by the decision of Kenyans further asking IEBC to keep the players in the election engaged and informed.

"I am confident that we will stop the rigging. We will accept the results of an election devoid of rigging. All we ask Kenyans is to be peaceful during this electioneering period," he said.

The ODM leader pledged to increase devolved funds by up to 45% of the national revenue within their first 90 days in office.

"We also work hard to bring down the cost of essential commodities to ease the cost of living. We will also vet state officers to minimise wastage and ensure funds are utilised well."

Further, on the war against corruption, Raila pledged to improve institutions mandated to fight the vice and also ensure they provide leadership that is committed to cause.

"NASA will ensure it secures convictions for people involved in corruption since the evidence exists in most of the cases," he said.

Nearly half of NASA supporters agree with the flagbearer and his deputy named at Uhuru Park rally.

This was according to an Ipsos poll that was released yesterday.

ODM leader Raila Odinga was named as the National Super Alliance flagbearer. Raila will face off President Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee with Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate.

NASA brings together Raila, Musalia Mudavadi (Amani), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) and Isaac Rutto (CCM).

According to the poll, 49 per cent of the voters support Raila-Kalonzo leadership, while 55 per cent expected it.

But fewer identified this pair as their preferred paired-choice rated at 34 per cent. Only seven per cent expected a Raila-Mudavadi leadership, with eight per cent preferring it.

Seven per cent of the supporters preferred a Kalonzo-Raila leadership while four per cent expected it.

Nine per cent of the voters preferred a Kalonzo-Mudavadi leadership, while four per cent expected that they would be named as the leaders.

Two per cent of the supporters expected and preferred Mudavadi-Raila leadership, while one per cent expected a Kalonzo-Wetang’ula leadership with two per cent preferring it.

Expectations about the Nasa presidential ticket among Jubilee supporters was different.

Twenty five per cent of Jubilee supporters preferred the Raila-Kalonzo combination.

The only possible combination that receives more support from Jubilee than from Nasa supporters is that of a Kalonzo-Mudavadi ticket rated at 14 per cent verses six per cent.

Regarding expectations of NASA unity moving forward, slightly over one-third {38%} feel it is certain.

But Nasa supporters are far more confident than those in Jubilee.

This was rated at 58 per cent against that of Jubilee rated at 23 per cent.

“Still the fact that just more than half of the former have such certainty suggests the uncertainty that the NASA leadership will have to overcome as the campaign period approaches ahead of the August election itself,” the poll read.

According to the poll, slightly fewer than half of all Kenyans rated at 44 per cent were able to spontaneously mention Governor Isaac Rutto as the “most important political leader” who recently joined NASA.

In regional terms, this figure ranges from a high in Nairobi {54%} to a low in Eastern {30 per cent}.

The target population for this survey was Kenyans aged 18 years and above living in urban and rural areas.

In regional terms, this figure ranges from a high in Nairobi {54%} to a low in Eastern {30 per cent}.

The target population for this survey was Kenyans aged 18 years and above living in urban and rural areas.

The achieve sample was 2,413 in 47 counties with a margin-of-error of +/- 1.99 and a 95% confidence level.

The poll was conducted on April 24th - 26th, 2017.

A cook in Kericho county on Wednesday pulled a surprise to win the Jubilee Party ticket for Waldai ward in Belgut constituency.

In Kiambu where mechanic Cyrus Omondi, popularly known as Gearbox, was elected.

Thirty-five year old Gearbox was elected MCA in Kiambu county for the Kahawa Wendani ward.

The 35-year-old is a father of two whose first sojourn into politics was in 2006. He was the chair of the Kawaha youth initiative called GAFFE. While at the helm, his pet project was tackling insecurity.

Daniel Ng’etich(pictured), who has been a cook for seven years at Sosiot Girls Secondary School, won with 2,250 votes against the incumbent MCA John Too, who managed 1,300.

Nge’tich was described as a humble and fervent prayer warrior. He told the Star he is happy the people of Waldai ward nominated him. “It is the love of the people that saw me win the ticket. I had nothing in my account to run a well-oiled campaign machine,” Nge’tich told the Star on the phone.

The diploma holder in Business Technology said “there is hope and no one should give up on their dreams”.

“I have been a cook for all these years but in me I had that calling that one day I will serve the people in a public office. God has opened that door and I am ready,” he said.

The father of two said he will prioritise development projects, education, roads and health.

His leadership style will be driven by consultation.

“I want to breathe new hope in the leadership of Waldai. I will open the doors and consult widely with the people so that the projects we are undertaking help the people,” Nge’tich said.

He will give priority to youth empowerment and women by initiating projects tailored to create jobs for the two groups.

During his early years, Ng’etich preached in local churches and was also a famous Sunday school teacher in vocation Bible schools. He is a member of the Cheribo African Gospel Church.

The IEBC has allowed independent political aspirants until May 8 to submit their forms and symbols to the Registrar of Political Parties.

The politicians’ queue outside the registrar’s office was much longer on yesterday, the expected deadline for the submission of the requirements.

They had asked for an extension given the large numbers of hopefuls who have turned up for days now.

The IEBC requires the hopefuls to obtain clearance from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to be allowed to vie in the August 8 general election. These are then taken to the commission before deadline to be processed for any legal issues.

Monday is the official deadline

IEBC communications director Andrew Limo said yesterday was not the official deadline for the submission of the forms and symbols. It was just part of “administrative advice”, he said, adding that the politicians have until 5pm on Monday.

Limo said this deadline will not be extended in line with the constitutional cap of 90 days to elections. He added that this will allow the commission time to go through the documents.

The commission’s rules state that an independent candidate should not join any party at least three months to the election.

Before the extension was announced, aspirants who spoke to the Star at Lion Place, Westlands, Nairobi, raised concern regarding the deadline.

Don’t lock us out of polls

“I am worried that if the IEBC maintains today’s deadline many of us will be locked out,” Sheila Wanjiku, an aspirant for Nakuru woman representative, said.

“I have been here since Tuesday but I am yet to be cleared.”

Another aspirant who did not want to be named said an extension would be fair.

Joshua Ngale, a commissioner at the registrar’s office, said the number of candidates was overwhelming.

“We have cleared 3,000 candidates so far but the number is still overwhelming. We hope the IEBC can extend the deadline so that we serve everyone,” he said.

More than 1,200 people had signed up as independents by last Friday evening, she said, a four-fold increase compared to 2013.

Hundreds more were registered on Tuesday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to unveil his Presidential campaign teams next week.

The President is preparing to launch an aggressive reelection campaign following the end of the nominations.

In the run-up to 2013 General Election, Uhuru ran what appeared to be a well-oiled and managed campaign that involved local and international experts.

Tomorrow, Jubilee Party delegates from across the country will endorse the President at Bomas of Kenya to seek a second term in office.

JP has invited all its sitting governors, members of the National Assembly, senators, Woman representatives and MCAs, all nominated aspirants, members of the party's National Governing Council and the 19 interim officials from the 47 counties.

Yesterday Majority Leader Aden Duale said the coming together of the leaders tomorrow is part of the larger Uhuru reelection plan that will precede the launch of the official campaigns.

“JP is a national party with clear agenda for Kenyans. All of us are ready to ensure that the Jubilee Government is reelected in August. No youth, women and men, professionals and politicians who have ideas will be locked out,” Duale said.

According to sources in the Presidency, the teams have been divided into six core units that will each play a role in seeking votes and popularising the President.

The units comprise Technical/Resources; Strategy and Theme Advisers; Political; Professionals; Communication and Messaging; and the Women and Youth grassroots caucuses.

Technical/Resources is largely made up of Uhuru's family members and those from Deputy President William Ruto's inner circle.

They include Uhuru's Private Secretary Jomo Gecaga, former State House political adviser Nancy Gitau, Uhuru’s maternal uncle and former Kenya Airports Authority managing director George Muhoho, Solicitor General Njee Muturi, former MP David Murathe, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and his Senate counterpart Ekwee Ethuro.

Other members are the DP's Private Secretary David Maiyo, Energy CS Charles Keter, aide Farouk Kibet and former Energy CS Davis Chirchir.

The team is directly supervised by Uhuru's younger brother Muhoho Kenyatta, who is answerable to the President and the DP.

The Strategy and Theme unit will be made up of key political think-tank operatives comprising university lecturers and businesspeople. They will manage all aspects of the UhuRuto campaigns, from raising funds to re-aligning the Jubilee Manifesto.

The Professional teams will be largely based in the counties and their work will be to explain and sell the Jubilee agenda among their respective communities.

This unit will be coordinated by Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries. They will meet every two weeks to review progress and challenges.

The Communications and Messaging team will be charged with the responsibility of ensuring there is relevant and timely content online.

The team will work hand-in-hand with the British PR firm BTP Advisers, which has been contracted again to handle UhuRuto’s image both locally and internationally.

BTP played a major role in Uhuru's 2013 win. The firm was also part of the team that conceptualised the creation of the now-defunct TNA, including its launch in May 2012 that was done amid pomp and colour.

The Women and Youth caucuses will run the “Uhuru Tena” campaigns in the counties and subcounties. Most of the coordination will be done at the county level, but some elements will be done at national level, directly supervised by the Technical/Resources unit.

On the Political unit front, Uhuru and Ruto are expected to reinstate the team of politicians that had been disbanded pending the primaries.

All the winners of the JP ticket and losers who have opted to stick with the party will form teams in their respective counties that will campaign for Uhuru.

It is understood that a deal has been offered to the losers to stick with the party and be rewarded with state jobs after the election.

Duale and Eldas MP Adan Keynan will be among those who will lead the campaigns in Northeastern, while all the successful aspirants from Central will campaign as a team in Mt Kenya.

At the Coast, Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, Kwale County Woman Rep Zainab Chidzuga, Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro and Mombasa governor hopeful Suleiman Shahbal will be in a group responsible for the President’s grand campaign team in a region perceived to be a NASA stronghold.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali and Teso South MP Mary Emase will take charge of the Western bloc.

Charles Nyachae, Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, nominated Senator Joy Gwendo and Kisii Senator Chris Obure will team up with other campaigners to popularise UhuRuto in the larger Nyanza region.

Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Regina Ndambuki, Rachel Nyamai, Kalembe Ndile and Tiya Galgalo and all the nominated aspirants will be in charge of the Eastern region.

The expansive Rift Valley region will be represented by Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso, Turkana Senator John Munyes, Nakuru County Speaker Susan Kihika, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, and nominated aspirants from the Kajiado and Samburu counties.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, Woman Rep Rachel Shebesh, Nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi, and Nominated MP Johnson Sakaja, among others, will be responsible for the city.

The jury is still out on whether Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka secured a raw deal in the NASA pact signed last week.

This has been of concern in Ukambani after NASA deposited its agreement at the Registrar of Political Parties, for the first time making the deal, complete with newfangled Cabinet portfolios, public.

Despite voting for Raila Odinga overwhelmingly in 2013, some in Ukambani feel they will end up with little, notwithstanding Wiper is a founder member of NASA, the Alliance Raila now heads.

Majority Leader Francis Nyenze, a key Kalonzo ally, was the first to openly voice his concern over the NASA deal when it was unveiled after months of intense negotiations.

“It is going to be a difficult task to convince the Kamba nation to play second fiddle when they played that in 2013. In 2017, they expected their son to be flagbearer. These are things I say as a senior member of Wiper and as a Kamba leader and it is good to tell the truth and shame the devil,” he told a press conference he held jointly with Kitui Senator David Musila.

Wiper was allocated the deputy presidency and the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport as well as Information Communication Technology.

Nyenze has since made a U-turn and announced he would support the NASA lineup.

Read: Nyenze endorses NASA line-up after meeting Kalonzo

Yesterday, Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu claimed that the disaffection sweeping through Ukambani was massive.

“The NASA thing was born in Uhuru Park and it died immediately there. You could see the reaction. When Raila was named, people started walking out and anybody ignoring that, I don't know which world they live in,” Mutambo said.

Mutambo defected from Wiper to Jubilee alongside a host of lawmakers from the Lower Eastern region.

But such sentiments were also expressed by Wiper Nominated MP Robert Mutemi, who said he was utterly disappointed by the NASA agreement. Mutemi said Raila would easily be trounced by Jubilee – as they did in 2013.

“I am not a tribalist, but we were not all along bargaining to have Kalonzo as a running mate to Raila. We wanted him to become the flagbearer as he is the man to beat Jubilee,” he said.

Concerns abound that since the restoration of ploical pluralism in 1992, Ukambani has repeatedly received a raw deal in all the poorly negotiated coalitions that Kalonzo has led them into.

In 1997, Kalonzo backed then President Daniel Moi against Charity Ngilu – and Moi won.

In 2002, Kalonzo backed Mwai Kibaki against Uhuru. Kibaki won and appointed Kalonzo and Charity Ngilu to head the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health respectively.

In 2008, Kalonzo sided with Raila as the opposition leader and Kibaki went for each other’s jugular. Thereafter, Kalonzo negotiated with Kibaki and got two ministerial positions – for Samuel Poghisio and Mutula Kilonzo, now deceased.

But some close allies of the former Vice President have rubbished claims of a raw deal, especially because Kalonzo stands to succeed Raila in 2022.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe said Kalonzo's current standing in NASA will enable him to win the presidency in 2022.

“We will support him as deputy president and the presidential candidate in 2022 as Raila will not contest then,” the Kitui County boss said.

Raila has publicly announced that he will only serve for one term.

In the NASA deal, Raila's ODM party has been allocated the powerful ministries of Finance, Defence and Education, in addition to the presidency.

Kalonzo will also have three ministries should NASA trounce President Uhuru Kenyatta on August 8.

However, he will be unable to distribute these three seats among the Kamba because Wiper must balance its strongholds of Northeastern and Coast with a CS each.

This effectively means the community will get only one CS position, which is similar to what Jubilee has given Ukambani currently, under Health CS Cleopa Mailu.

In the NASA arrangement, Kalonzo lost the Coordination of Government Affairs docket to Musalia Mudavadi, who would occupy the powerful position of Premier Cabinet Secretary.

Government Coordination is currently held by DP Ruto, who approves and correlates all government affairs.

Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula will coordinate economic affairs and his party will take the two Cabinet slots of Infrastructure and Energy.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto’s Chama cha Mashinani has been allocated the Health and Devolution ministries.

“This leaves Kalonzo and the Kambas holding straws and bones,” analyst Charles Mulila told the Star. “Silent political souls in Ukambani are unhappy with Kalonzo for electing to be a perennial kingmaker and are genuinely worried about the political direction the community has taken.”

Silently, a rebellion of sorts is brewing, but political aspirants in Wiper have kept a studious silence until they get elected to Parliament riding on Kalonzo’s back.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko's name has been floated that he may soon claim the leadership of Ukambani if Kalonzo does not swiftly lay claim to State House.

Kalonzo is expected to deliver the close to 1.5 million votes from the Lower Eastern region and an estimated 300,000 from Kambas in "diaspora” counties.

Given that the current constitutional dispensation caps the number of ministries at 22, it will be hard to reserve many CS positions for one community.

NASA has also said it is keen to strike an ethnic balance, and no tribes will dominate the government.

“We have consistently expressed our commitment to building a nation that carries all communities and all shades of opinion on board. We have consistently said we are committed to building a nation that stands in sync with the dreams of our founders, a nation that thrives on unity, peace and liberty,” Raila said recently.

ODM appeals tribunal is embroiled in turf wars with the National Elections Board over handling of petitions filed by various aspirants.

The two bodies play a critical role in resolving complaints lodged by aspirants contesting the results of the ODM primaries conducted between April 13 and 30.

Yesterday, the Star established the five-member tribunal, chaired by Willis Otieno, had written to the National Executive Council complaining about the conduct of the election officials.

Mohammed Hajir, Florence Omose, George Muthama, and Charles Bosire are members of the tribunal, which was formed by the party’s NEC to hear petitions arising from primaries.

The tribunal is said to be unhappy because NEB deliberately ignored some of its recommendations, including nullifying nominations of some of the party’s officials whose victories were challenged.

The panel had ruled that some nominations results be declared null and void, and ordered NEB to conduct fresh polls or find a criteria of issuing certificates to those aspirants who were blatantly robbed of victory.

“We have already filed a formal complaint with the party’s top organ that the decisions of this tribunal are being disregarded blatantly, yet we are an independent organ that should arbitrate the complaints,” a member of the tribunal who declined to be named told the Star. The claims could not be verified because NEB chairperson, Judy Pareno (pictured), did not answer our calls.

Saturday was a good day for Uhuru Kenyatta who was endorsed by four parties as their presidential candidate.

Uhuru attended the National Delegates Conventions for Maendeleo Chap Chap, Narc Kenya, Kanu and Economic Freedom Party.

He was greeted by large crowds of cheerful leaders and supporters who promised him support in the August 8 general election.

Chap Chap is led by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Narc-K by Martha Karua, Kanu by Gideon Moi and EFP by chairman Hassan Abey and secretary general Abdullahi Gessey.

The parties will field candidates for all seats except that of the president.

The conventions took place at Chap Chap's Lavington headquarters, St Andrews Hall (Narc-K), Kasarani stadium (Kanu) and Nyayo stadium (EFP).

Mutua said Kenyans are proud of what the Jubilee administration has done. He cited road construction, electricity connections and the free maternity programme.

“As a party we decided to give you opportunity to continue the work you began. Kenya has changed and Kenyans want a score card. We have seen your score card," he said.

Karua said Uhuru's policies benefit Kenyans.

“We have made a conscious decision, as a people who have been in both teams, to join your team. It is not accidental; we looked at which team will bring benefits to all Kenyans,” she said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua during the party's National Delegates Convention at St Andrews Hall in Nairobi, May 6, 2017. /PSCU

Gideon said the party decided to support Uhuru so he can continue implementing policies that will improve lives.

“It is important for us that you leave behind a good legacy of changing lives, We will stand with you,” said the Baringo Senator.

Secretary general Nick Salat said the party will fully back Uhuru and DP William Ruto in their bid for a second and final five-year term under Jubilee Party.

“This is your home...we will ensure that your government continues to serve Kenyans under your leadership,” he said.

More on this: Kanu will support Uhuru re-election, Salat says after NEC meeting

Abey told Uhuru: “We support you as our President and are mobilising voters to ensure you garner all the votes because of your track record.”

Read: EFP partners with JP to back Uhuru reelection bid

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Kanu leader and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi during the party's National Delegates Convention at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, May 6, 2017. /PSCU

The President gave short addresses at each of the meetings; his key messages were unity and Jubilee Party's focus on development.

"We will unite and help build Kenya," he said at the ERP convention.

The President noted that unlike the Opposition, Jubilee believes in the fundamental principle of uniting Kenyans for all to prosper.

“Our objective is bigger than those of our competitors whose only aim is to get jobs for four guys,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that four men who have been in government for a total of 100 years are still not aware of the challenges facing Kenyans. What they want is to share leadership position."

AT the ERP meeting, Uhuru said no country can achieve prosperity without unity and peace among citizens.

“We cannot develop as a country if we are divided along tribal and religious lines. I believe God gave us one country so that we can celebrate our diversity and use it to share our prosperity."

The President also called for peace so there is no bloodshed.

Uhuru said he will talk to security officials regarding the curfew in Mandera county, which he said will be reviewed for residents to move freely during the holy months of Ramadhan.

President Uhuru Kenyatta receives his endorsement certificate from Economic Freedom Party during its National Delegates Convention at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, May 5, 2017. /PSCU

The President then left for Bomas of Kenya where Jubilee is holding a delegates meeting, a day after ODM held its own at Kasarani stadium.

ODM leader Raila Odinga said he was ready to face Uhuru and will not let Kenyans down on the August 8 polling date.

This will be the fourth time the 72-year-old will run for president; he vied in 1997, 2007 and 2013.

An enthusiastic crowd of supports broke into song, shouted and cheered as Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho welcomed Raila to the stage and while he addressed them.

"With this nomination, I will keep the Kenyan dream alive. I commit to spend my last breath for the liberation of our country," he said.

More on this: My last breath will be for Kenya's liberation, Raila says after ODM nomination

Also read: ODM endorses Raila as presidential candidate at charged Kasarani rally

A move by Saudi Arabia to give women more control over their life choices by relaxing a controversial male guardian system has been welcomed as another small step for women in the conservative kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is well known to be one of the world's most gender-segregated nations, where women live under the supervision of a male guardian, cannot drive, and must wear head-to-toe black garments in public.

Women need approval from a man to travel, study and get some health treatments.

But local media reported this week that King Salman has issued an order allowing women to benefit from government services such as education and healthcare without the consent of a male guardian.

This means women could, in some circumstances, study and access hospital treatment, work in the public and private sector and represent themselves in court without a guardian's consent, according to Maha Akeel, a women's rights campaigner and a director at the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

He said: "Now at least it opens the door for discussion on the guardian system. Women are independent and can take care of themselves."

The order is the latest in a series of steps taken by Saudi Arabia to include women more in the workforce as the kingdom moves to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil.

The trend started in 2011 when the late King Abdullah allowed women onto the government advisory Shura Council. Women can now vote in municipal elections, work in some retail and hospitality jobs and were allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time in 2012.

But Saudi Arabia was still ranked 141 of 144 countries in the 2016 Global Gender Gap, a World Economic Forum study on how women fare in economic and political participation, health and education.

The system of male guardianship, which requires women to obtain permission from a father, husband, or son to travel, study or marry is an impediment to realising women's rights, say rights groups.

Akeel said: "Male guardianship is un-Islamic and humiliating for women. Some (men) take advantage of this male guardianship for their own benefit and abuse it."

NASA principal Moses Wetang'ula will defend his seat as Bungoma senator on the Ford Kenya ticket, party officials have said.

Speaking at a press conference in Bungoma town yesterday, the party officials led by Bungoma county secretary Peter Wakhuleka, said they had convinced the party leader to defend his seat as there was no replacement who could fit in his shoes.

"It is a sealed deal and we are going to present his name to the IEBC as an unopposed candidate," he said.

Wakhuleka, who was with Ford Kenya aspirants from Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, said Wetang'ula will relinquish his seat in the event NASA forms government and take up his position as deputy prime minister as proposed.

Wetang'ula had been lined up for the proposed seat of deputy prime minister in the power sharing deal that has been deposited at the Registrar of Political Parties.

Wetang'ula launched his presidential bid last year at the Masinde Muliro Stadium, but he and three co-principals recently endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga as NASA flagbearer.

There has been speculation about what post he would run for, with political pundits arguing that he was destined to either run for Bungoma senator or governor.

Ford Kenya had technically reserved the Bungoma senator for him, fielding no any other candidate in the primaries.

Political analyst Isaac Wanjekeche said the declaration could complicate matters for other aspirants who had declared interest in the seat thinking he would not run.

“It is going to be an easy ride for Wetang'ula and this will send the political wannabes, who had declared the quest to succeed him, to political limbo,” he said.

Those who have declared interest in the post include journalist David Makali (ANC), Bonny Nyongesa (ODM) and educationist Juma Mukhwana (Jubilee).

Wanjekeche said the decision to run for senator indicates that Wetang'ula is not sure of a NASA win and fears being in political oblivion.

“Wetang'ula doesn’t want to find himself in the political situation Raila and Kalonzo have found themselves at in the past, hence the need for him to devise a fallback strategy in an event of a NASA loss in August," he added.

Wetang'ula could not be reached for comment as calls went unanswered. He was said to be in Uganda.

Deputy President William Ruto has stepped up Jubilee’s strategy to penetrate opposition strongholds and neutralise NASA captain Raila Odinga.

Raila on Friday was given the nod by ODM to fly the party’s presidential flag against President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seeking a second term.

Ruto, the key pointman leading Uhuru’s reelection, has for the past one week held a flurry of meetings at his Karen home with Jubilee leaders from Coast, Western and Ukambani.

The meetings previewed Jubilee’s progress in those areas and set new targets for winners of Jubilee tickets.

Yesterday, Ruto’s spokesman David Mugonyi confirmed the DP has been holding meetings.

“The DP has met the leaders who have also met the President. This is part of Jubilee’s campaign strategy,” he told the Star on the phone.

Ruto is responsible for political mobilisation, and of late has intensified meetings with key figures from regions considered NASA strongholds.

On Thursday last week, the DP met Jubilee nominees from opposition strongholds Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia counties.

The Star has established the DP is keen on delivering at least five seats from Ukambani in the August 8 election.

“We have a strategy. We know some of the aspirants from Ukambani will not make it, but we are sure to deliver not less than five parliamentary seats,” said a top Jubilee campaign strategist at the Office of the President.

Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, a Jubilee pointman, yesterday said JP is unstoppable in Ukambani.

“We have sat and agreed how we will proceed with our campaigns. We want to teach some people a lesson by delivering a good a number of seats to Jubilee.

The DP’s sustained onslaught against Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has put the two on a collision path.

Kalonzo last week accused Ruto of being behind the closure of his Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation

“I am not exonerating the President, but I would be very surprised if he would besmirch a family. We know people who are driven by vendetta and it is his [Uhuru’s] Number Two and his people. We know the vendetta people and we will deal with them,” he said.

Speaking at the ODM National Delegates’ Convention at Kasarani gymnasium on Friday, Kalonzo hit out at the DP and rallied the opposition to make “sure Arap Mashamba” does not become Deputy President.

On Friday, Ruto hosted leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties, considered opposition bastions, as he intensified his onslaught on NASA.

The delegation from Kisii was led by Jubilee governor nominee Senator Chris Obure, while that from Nyamira was led by governor aspirant Walter Nyambati.

“The people have given us their preferred representatives. We will work with them closely to campaign for a second term and accomplish our agenda for the country,” Ruto said after the meeting.

The Jubilee team from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and TaitaTaveta counties was led by Governor Salim Mvurya.

Mugonyi yesterday said he is not aware of scheduled meetings for the DP this week, but hinted that the campaign strategy is broad-based, with possibilities of more meetings.

National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale said Jubilee will continue raiding opposition strongholds relentlessly.

“We want to tell opposition leaders that Kenyans have no time for them. We will move from Mombasa to Kisumu, to Tharaka Nithi to Turkana and Baringo to tell all Kenyans why Jubilee deserves a second term,” he said.

“We will not be intimidated by anybody.”

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau said he will not run as an independent candidate after he lost the JP Murang’a governor ticket to incumbent Mwangi Wairia.