Wiper continues to cause disquiet in Azimio-One Kenya Coalition with party leader Kalonzo Musyoka defying a plan to zone regions for affiliate outfits.

Kalonzo on Saturday campaigned for former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who is seeking the Mombasa governorship amidst resistance from local leaders. 

“As a lawyer I can guarantee you that nobody can bar Sonko from contesting the Mombasa governor seat. He has the constitutional right to vie having been born and lived in Mombasa,” Kalonzo said while unveiling Wiper party candidates from Mombasa and Kwale counties.

The Wiper leader will on Tuesday unveil candidates for various seats in Taita Taveta that had been zoned for ODM.  He has opposed proposals to zone the country in favour of big parties, and dismissed the plan to ask aspirants to step down for those in outfits popular in respective regions.

He said they would field candidates in areas they felt they were strong.

Speaking when he accompanied Sonko to formally launch his bid on Saturday, the former Vice-President said it was not yet time to lock out parties from particular regions.

“Even if we are to do zoning, we have to do it in June or July after conducting a popularity test to identify the most popular candidates,” Kalonzo said.

As ODM leaders in Mombasa have questioned Kalonzo’s plans in fielding Sonko, the leader said Wiper had a greater chance of winning the governorship contest in the coastal county.

“We agreed we support Polycarp Igathe as governor for Nairobi and his deputy Prof Philip Kaloki. Sonko has every right to vie for any seat. Sonko is from Mombasa, his mother is from there. Jubilee will take Nairobi and Wiper will take Mombasa,” he added. Mombasa leaders have, however, demanded the withdrawal of Sonko from the race.

Only way

Governor Hassan Joho asked residents to heed Raila’s call for six-piece voting in favour of the Orange party, saying it is the only way to assure him the presidency.

Speaking during the annual Eid baraza at the Treasury Square, Joho emphasised on the need for ODM to clinch all the elective positions in the region.

“I have seen some leaders within Azimio holding press conferences, saying six-piece is not good for the coalition. But that is not true. If you are in Wiper you are free to campaign for your candidate and so is  other parties within Azimio. However, that should not take away my right to campaign for my party,” he said.