The much anticipated tour by DP Ruto in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties continues to shape the political space in the region. The UDA Party leader is keen on making key alignments in efforts to secure the Mt Kenya East vote.
Just a few hours after delivering a consensus between Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and Senator Kithure Kindiki, attention shifts to Meru County.
With Kiraitu Murungi leaning towards Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja, the UDA camp has severally hinted at fielding a Gubernatorial candidate in the August 9 polls.
It is highly anticipated that South Imenti MP Kathuri Murungi may decide to face Governor Kiraitu Murungi on August 9.
On Friday, the legislator made a sensational post on his Social Media pages, saying the UDA fraternity would finally make a major announcement during DP Ruto’s tour in Meru.
“Ama Tutangaze hii kitu yule anataka kujinyonga ajinyonge mapema? UDA hii kuwekwa brakes hapana my friend. DO NOT LIMIT…See you at Kionyo Market on Sunday. Saa tisa kamili. Karibuni Nyote.” Kathuri said.
But even before officially announcing his bid for the County top seat, the vocal legislator is making promises already.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Kathuri Murungi says he will permanently and amicably address the issues affecting the Meru County doctors and nurses if elected as the next Governor.
“To the Meru County Government Doctors and Nurses, your hard times will turn to be happiness soon. Your tears will be wiped in Jesus name.” he posted.
Health workers in Meru have severally staged strikes that paralyzed health facilities in the County, citing delayed salaries, poor working conditions and failure by the administration to effect the relevant promotions.
Early last year, confusion shrouded the resumption of normalcy in Meru hospitals after nurses who were on strike were turned away from health facilities.
Meru County Deputy Governor and Finance Executive Titus Ntuchiu has several times cited delays in disbursement of funds by the National Treasury as the reason for delays in payment of salaries and statutory deductions.
With the exit of Agriculture CS Peter Munya from the Meru gubernatorial race, it would be interesting to see the outcome of UDA’s entry, especially with a candidate from Governor Kiraitu’s South Imenti stronghold.
The Mizani Africa opinion polls recently ranked Meru Woman Representative Kawira Mwangaza as the most preferred next Governor, with approval ratings of 42.6% against Governor Kiraitu’s 33.2%.
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