Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo suffered defeat last week after his party, Tujibebe Wakenya, lost to Jubilee Party in the Mahoo ward by-election in Taita Taveta.
This was the first time the party was fielding a candidate, four months after it was launched. Mr Samuel Obwoge came a distant third with 89 votes, while Jubilee’s Saleri Donald Fundi won with 1,609 votes closely followed by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Daniel Kimuyu with 1,358 votes.
Mr Kabogo personally toured Mahoo Ward to drum up support for his candidate, and traversed the vast ward, urging locals to turn up in large numbers and support Mr Obwoge.
“Addressing and interacting with the residents of Taveta town who affirmed to support Tujibebe Party candidate Samuel Obwoge in the upcoming by-elections,” Mr Kabogo tweeted on December 11.
Political move
Mr Kabogo, who lost to Mr Ferdinard Waititu in the 2017 General Election, has been keeping people guessing whether he will be vying for the presidency as he has been hinting, or if he will be fighting to recapture the Kiambu gubernatorial seat.
Mr Kabogo has set up a secretariat that is managing his campaigns at one of his homes on Kiambu Road to strategise on his political move.
Yesterday, in a phone interview, Mr Kabogo said his eyes are on the presidency, and confirmed the existence of the secretariat.
On his party’s poor performance in Mahoo ward, Mr Kabogo said the by-election was very competitive and “our party was new, competing against well established parties.
“My eyes are now on the presidency and nothing more,” the former governor said.
But insiders within the secretariat told the Nation in confidence that Mr Kabogo will be vying for Kiambu governorship and that he is just buying time to popularise his party through a possible alliance with political outfits that have acceptance in the Mt Kenya region.
If he vies for the Kiambu governorship, he will be competing with Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina wa Jungle, Juliet Kimemia (a former lecturer) and Kiambu Senator Kimani wa Matangi.
Incumbent Governor James Nyoro has also declared that he will be defending his seat.
Hijacked the event
Both Mr Nyoro and Mr Kabogo have been scrambling for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s attention.
Recently, as Mr Odinga came from opening a health centre in Githunguri constituency and made a stop in Ruiru town, Mr Kabogo hijacked the event.
He later threw his support behind Mr Odinga, saying his vote belongs to him (Raila) at a dinner.
Earlier this month, Mr Kabogo expressed his support for Mr Odinga.
“I’ve no problem with Raila’s candidature. He’s an enigma. The qualities he possesses can only be found in a few people,” he said on December 8, an indication that he is ready to work with Mr Odinga. BY DAILY NATION