NASA principals lead solidarity rally in Wajir at the wake of Jubilee defection threat

Wajir governor with his Mombasa counterpart Ali Hassan Joho. (Kulan Post)

WAJIR—The leaders of the opposition alliance laud Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi following his decision to remain in his party four months to the General Elections.

Speaking at Wajir Stadium, Raila Odinga, Mombasa governor Ali Joho and Kalonzo Musyoka said they were grateful of his decision assuring that they would support his reelection bid.

“I want to tell him (Ahmed)… thank you for choosing to stay with NASA,” he said.

He said the governor is among a handful county chiefs who invested in development projects, saying NASA would pump in more funds into the devolution kitty if elected.

In 2015, Raila said, he was invited by the governor to launch the construction of a 29-km tarmac road within the town. He said given another chance, he would deliver more tarmacked stretch of roads.

“Leo nasema Jiir tena (I say Jiir once more),” Raila said, lifting the governor’s hand in the air to signify endorsement.

ODM deputy leader Hassan Joho said Jubilee was specifically eying Wajir County because of the local administration’s track record.

“We know Jubilee come around and approached you to defect, lakini amesimama ngumu (you remained steadfast),” the fiery Mombasa governor said.

A fake news post last month claimed that the governor joined the ruling coalition in a last minute effort to secure the party nomination. It also claimed that the governor was spotted at the Jubilee headquarters, a claim governor dismissed as baseless.

”It is a propaganda and rumours. I’m in NASA,” Ahmed confirmed to Kulan Post in text message when we inquired about the alleged change of party.

In today’s rally in Wajir, it was a show of solidarity and support for the governor since majority of county leaders defected to Jubilee last month.

“Party and coalitions are not religion. If someone has not been straightforward with his former party then how can they be steadfast in their current place of stay,” the governor said.