The 2022 general elections is yet again another cutthroat contest with the Azimio One Kenya and Kenya Kwanza coalitions seen as the main protagonists. Just as it has been the case with previous elections, the tribal card appears to be the main criteria that voters will use to pick on their favorite candidates.
And inside the political class, the elections have also led to a rift between various prominent families. This article will feature some of the popular kith and kin that are leading separate ways in the August 9th elections.
Okoth Obado and wife Hellen Adhiambo
Migori Governor Okoth Obado who is completing his final term in office is aligned to Deputy President’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in the forthcoming elections. His second term has been one to forget as he has been battling murder and corruption allegations.
Obado’s wife, Hellen Adhiambo will be contesting for the county’s woman representative position on an independent ticket but has set records straight that she supports the Azimio Coalition. To make good her rebellion, she is said to have dropped her husband’s surname and even accused him of abandoning her.
“Obado sought the voters mandate as a governor, I am seeking my votes as woman representative and I will be campaigning as an individual. On the ballot paper, I will use Hellen Adhiambo Odie as my official name,” she said in a political rally as quoted by Citizen Digital.
Keriako Tobiko and sister Peris Tobiko
In Kajiado County, siblings Keriako Tobiko and Peris Tobiko are also leading parallel paths. While the former who is the Environment Cabinet Secretary is seen to be affiliated to the Azimio Coalition, his sister is a diehard UDA politician. In fact when Keriako labelled DP Ruto as a ‘mere clerk,’ the sister told him off and even apologized to Ruto.
All through her life and political career, Peris has been a defiant woman who declined early marriage and went on to study political science at UoN. In 2013, her Kajiado East bid became a hot potato when Maasai elders strongly opposed her and even ‘cursed’ her move because the community is generally a patriarchal one. However, she went on to win and successfully defended her seat in 2017. This year, she wanted to vie for the Kajiado gubernatorial seat on an UDA ticket but lost to Katoo Ole Metito in the primaries.
Moses Kuria and brother Aloise Kinyanjui
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and his brother Aloise Kinyanjui cannot see each other eye to eye, as far as political matters are concerned. While Kuria who is vying for the Kiambu gubernatorial seat is a strong and vocal Kenya Kwanza politician, his brother is in Jubilee Party.
Kinyanjui was handed a direct party ticket to vie for the Juja parliamentary seat in April 2022. He is said to have severed ties with his brother over the decision to align the Chama Cha Kazi party with Kenya Kwanza outfit. Kinyanjui previously worked with the Directorate of Criminal Investigation.
Moses Wetangula and brother Timothy Wanyonyi
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula who also doubles up as the Ford – Kenya party leader is a key Kenya Kwanza coalition stakeholder. Recently, there have been unconfirmed allegations that he may have had a hand in the award of ballot papers printing tender to a Greek firm, Inform Lykos. He however rubbished the claims.
Wetangula’s younger brother Timothy Wanyonyi is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and will be defending his Westlands parliamentary seat. Wanyonyi’s bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat received a blow after the Azimio One Kenya Coalition picked on Polycarp Igathe to fly its ticket.
Read also: Timothy Wanyonyi Wetangula Biography, Family, Education, Cause of Disability & Political Career
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