There was a bitter exchange of words yesterday between Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and former governor David Nkedianye, with the incumbent describing his rival as ‘a big coward”.

Lenku (below) told Nkedianye to stop crying foul over Azimio la Umoja nominations and instead focus on strengthening the coalition so as to secure himself a plum job in government. Speaking in Kajiado during the launch of Universal Health Care Scheme, Lenku said Azimio leadership had a mechanism for establishing the most popular candidate.

 Plot to rig poll

“I am popular on the ground and cowards are already crying foul,” said Lenku in response to Nkedianye’s claim of a plot to rig him out of the race. The two have differed over the mode of nominations. While Lenku insists on joint nominations under the Azimio umbrella, Nkendienye says he will seek the ODM ticket first. “Azimio’s goal is to woo votes for presidential hopeful Raila Odinga. ODM and Jubilee parties will field their candidates for other positions. I want to set the record straight,” he said.

Nkedianye is the only aspirant, so far, eyeing the governor position on an ODM ticket. Others include Peris Tobiko (UDA), Katoo ole Metito (UDA) and Francis Meja (UDA).

that he is not ready to negotiate for a plum job in government at the expense of pursuing his political ambitions.

Nkendienye adds: “There are rumours that I intend to step down from politics and negotiate for a job in the Azimio coalition set-up. But I cannot betray the people of Kajiado for selfish interests. The residents deserve development-oriented leaders.’’

 The former county chief said he would vie for the position on an ODM ticket despite being in Azimio la Umoja coalition.