The announcement of NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua as Raila Odinga’s runningmate has sent shivers to aspiring MCAs, MPs, Woman Reps, Senators and Governors in Azimio affiliate parties in Meru.
First, no single opinion poll ever gave Mr. Odinga more than 20% of the Meru vote. The few Azimio rumors were mainly attributed to the fading hopes of Munya’s consideration for the Number two position.
In his several Azimio rallies in Meru camouflaged as farmers engagement forums, Munya kept promising that he would be at the center of the Azimio government, hence the need for them to support the Coalition.
“As Jubilee we are not joining ODM. We are in a partnership to form the next government. I can assure you that I will be right at the center. As everything will be shared, we will have our equal share.” Munya said at a rally in Kibirichia a few months ago.
The entry of Martha Karua may spell doom to any remaining Azimio hopes in Meru and neighboring Tharaka Nithi.
Peter Munya has been promised a Cabinet slot incase Raila wins. It’s a promise, and things are bound to change any time.
It’s important to recall that even prior to the announcement, MCAs, MPs and other candidates in Azimio affiliated parties in Meru had difficulties mentioning Raila Odinga’s name in their campaigns.
To a point that their ODM counterparts started complaining that Raila Odinga was not getting the publicity they expected in Mt. Kenya.
While many candidates hoped to utilize Peter Munya’s fortunes to boost their campaigns, yesterday’s announcement may prompt them to openly distance themselves from the Azimio candidate at every available opportunity.
This would not be the first time they are doing so, with Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi having set precedence on several occasions in the last few months.
“I am only contesting for one seat. I am not telling anyone who to vote for as President. Vote for whoever you wish, but vote for me as Meru Governor.” Kiraitu said at a rally in North Imenti in March.
Athwana MCA and Meru Leader of Majority Victor Kariithi also says Mbus candidates in Meru will not campaign for Raila Odinga.
In an interview on a vernacular Tv station, Hon. Kariithi admitted that his supporters and advisors have severally warned him against campaigning for the ODM leader in Meru.
“Our Party Chairman Lenny Kivuti is experiencing the same in Embu. The people have asked us to seek our votes without campaigning for Raila or castigating DP Ruto. And clearly, no serious leader in Meru is willing to carry Mr. Odinga’s heavy cross.” says Hon. Kariithi.
Several other Azimio la Umoja Candidates in Meru are having a hard time distancing themselves from Mr. Odinga in their campaigns.
Two weeks ago, Aspiring North Imenti MP Carole Karimi Muriuki came out guns blazing after coming across a Trending poster where she appears alongside Raila Odinga.
“This is not my poster. Treat this as Propaganda. The Poster does not meet the basic communication message that my spinsters will carry.” Says Hon. Carole Muriuki.
The author is a Social Media Strategist, a Digital Media Expert with interest in Governance and Social Welfare.
