The Devolution Empowerment Party (popularly known as MBUS) has disputed claims that its part of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition associated with ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Addressing the Media on Tuesday afternoon, the Party Secretary General in Meru, Mr. Alhaji Mwendia said the Party will make public its position in due course, through the Party leader – Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
Mr. Alhaji was responding to claims by Igembe North MP and National Assembly Majority Whip Maoka Maore’s sentiments that Governor Murungi is the Gubernatorial candidate to be fronted by the Azimio la Umoja Coalition in Meru County in the August 9 election.
“Governor Kiraitu Murungi is the only Azimio Gubernatorial Candidate in Meru for now. CS Peter Munya should stop the ‘mapambano’ drama, unless he wants to come back to Meru and contest for the seat.” Hon. Maore said.
But in quick response, the DEP Party leadership maintains that the the Party has not settled on any Presidential candidate, and that the delegates will at the appropriate time make a determination on which way to go in the forthcoming election.
“Hon. Maoka Maore’s sentiments that the MBUS Party is in Azimio are false and misleading. He is not a member of our Party. It is his wish that our Party joins the Azimio Coalition, but we will take our time. The position of the MBUS Party will soon be announced by our Party Leader Kiraitu Murungi.” says Mr. Alhaji.
There has been immense pressure from Agriculture CS Peter Munya targeting Meru leaders, with an intention of wooing them into the Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja camp.
A fierce critic of DP Ruto, Munya says he will only rally his followers behind a gubernatorial candidate who firmly supports the Azimio agenda.
Although he had previously declared his interest in the Meru gubernatorial seat, CS Munya last week announced that he would now concentrate on his ministerial job.
Munya has severally expressed interest in contesting as Raila Odinga’s runningmate in the August 9 polls, and has in recent days been actively drumming up support for Mr. Odinga in Meru.
Governor Kiraitu Murungi however insists that he is not in a hurry, insisting that the Meru people will only support a Presidential candidate who will take care of their interests.
“The Meru people will no longer follow anybody blindly. Time has come for us to stand up and walk. They have ODM, Wiper, Jubilee, UDA, ANC and other parties. Now we have our Bus Party,” says Governor Kiraitu.
The Mbus Party leader has severally castigated President Uhuru’s administration for neglecting the Meru people in the allocation of key development projects, with the most recent one being the Mau Mau Roads.
“We are very disappointed with our friend because the 540 kilometers of the Mau Mau road has been given to Central Province alone. Not a single kilometer was given to Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties. Our people were at the forefront during the struggle for independence.” Kiraitu said at a Church function last month.
“Politicians cannot be trusted with the tons of promises they make during the campaign season. The Meru people should shun leaders who spread hate, propaganda and lies. I urge the Mt Kenya East people to support and join Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) which will champion for their interests.” Kiraitu said.
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