Taveta MP Naomi Shaban resigned from the Jubilee Party over what she called plans to rig her out of the primaries.
Her rival, Mike Banton, said to be backed by DP William Ruto, cheered her departure.
Shaban’s resignation has dealt a major blow to the Jubilee Party at the Coast, as she had been a staunch supporter.
The National Assembly deputy majority leader is the only MP in Taita Taveta elected on the Jubilee ticket.
She has served as Taveta MP for three terms is a close ally of Uhuru, questions are being raised why Uhuru did not come for her rescue as DP Ruto cash is terrorizing many aspirants
Early this month, Shaban wrote her resignation letter to the Jubilee Party secretary general, saying she has left the party over “unavoidable circumstances”.
A source close to Shaban told the local reporters she ditched Jubilee due to pressure from the party bosses to drop out of the race.
“The party bosses are pushing her out of the party, something that has forced her to leave Jubilee. Shaban will be in the ballot on August 8 on another party’s ticket,” the source said.
On Sunday, Shaban told a meeting in Taveta that there were plans to rig her out in the party nominations on Friday.
Efforts to get comment from Shaban were unsuccessful as her phone went unanswered.
On Sunday, Banton wrote on his Facebook page, “I wish to thank team Mike for the spirited efforts you exerted in this campaign and today our opponent has succumbed to pressure and decided to run away from the primaries by resigning from Jubilee Party. Congratulations and kindly let’s focus ahead.”
Shaban played a central role in ensuring Taita Taveta Senator Dan Mwazo and Woman representative Joyce Lay ditched ODM for Jubilee and now she may be heading ODM….
Shaban said she will vigorously campaign for President Uhuru Kenyatta BUT that will be her downfall since the ground has completely shifted ..
