Msambweni Parliamentary seat aspirant Sharlet Mariam Akinyi has emphasized that she is still in the race even after the Deputy President William Ruto showed backing for another candidate yesterday.
Mariam was denied the Jubilee Party ticket on Wednesday after the ruling party resolved not to field a candidate during the December 15 by-election.
She stormed the Jubilee party Headquarters on Wednesday while DP Ruto had a closed door meeting with the party Secretary General Raphael Tuju who had earlier communicated the decision through a statement.
DP had to accept the ‘party position’ that he was not in agreement but pledged to support Mariam should she seek his help.
“I was of a different view on the party fielding a candidate in Msambweni but because a decision has already been made and communicated to the public, we will all stand by that decision that those who had intentions of vying on a Jubilee ticket in Msambweni will now look for alternatives may be run as independent candidates or in other political parties,” Ruto said.
On Thursday the DP met Feisal Abdallah Bader, an independent candidate running for the Msambweni seat that fell vacant following the death of Suleiman Dori in March.
Mariam is also contesting on an Independent ticket but will face an uphill task against who is Feisal is related to the late lawmaker.
“It is so sad that a woman is repressed when she stands out to fight for an equal right. I am ready to face all men. Dynasties or no dynasties,” Mariam said.
The 29 year old Mariam hails from Ukunda in Kwale County, is an activist based in Msambweni where she runs a charity organization. She previously worked as Head of Protocol at Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s office.
