Disquiet has rocked the Jubilee party in Nakuru over an alleged move to hand a direct ticket to Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui for the governorship race. 

The uproar follows announcement by Kinyanjui last week that he would defend his seat on Jubilee ticket after consultations with the party’s top leadership. 

Governor, in his statement, had said the move was meant to consolidate Azimio La Umoja support base ahead of the August 9, polls which he intends to lead. 

“A decision has been made that I defend my seat on Jubilee. I, therefore, wish to state that I will defend my seat as Nakuru Governor on the Jubilee ticket,” Kinyanjui said. 

Move, however, sparked protests from governor aspirant Dr Stanley Karanja (pictured), who accused the party of dishonesty and miscommunication over the same. 

He lamented that despite being a staunch party member, he was being tactically elbowed out in favor of Kinyanjui without any notice. 

“Governor had said he will seek re-election on Ubuntu Peoples Forum party ticket. How that changed and he being issued with the direct ticket still puzzles me,” said Karanja. 

Speaking in Nakuru yesterday, Karanja said though no formal communication had been issued from the party, it was evident that nominations in the county were already shelved. 

“The party needs to showcase fairness and this being a political process we expect democracy, which includes consultations. I was not consulted on anything,” he said. Furious Karanja vowed to pull down all his campaign posters and billboards bearing the party’s logo today until JP gives clear communication on the issue. 

“I have personally spent heavily on billboards, and advertisements trying to sell the party to ensure it captures the seat, this process needs to be clarified before I make my next move,” said Karanja. 

Insiders who spoke to People Daily revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is also the Jubilee leader, had communicated with Kinyanjui and urged him to consider defending his seat under the party.