Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has finally joined the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, and vowed to support ODM leader Raila Odinga in the forthcoming general election.
In recent days, Meru County has attracted a lot of attention from the two frontrunners in the Presidential race. Both DP Ruto and Raila Odinga are expected to address a series of rallies Meru this week.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya today announced that he would be hosting Raila Odinga at Maili Tatu in Igembe Central on Thursday. The former Premier will hold similar rallies in Maua, Laare, Mutuati and Kianjai.
Later on Saturday, William Ruto will be holding a rally in Meru Town, exactly a week after Senator Linturi’s declaration that he will be contesting for the Meru Governor’s seat.
And in what appears to be an intentional build up to Raila Odinga’s visit, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has finally said Raila Tosha, and is expected to attend the ODM leader’s rallies on Thursday.
“The Devolution Empowerment Party (BUS) has today agreed to join the Azimio la Umoja Movement as a partner since we believe that ODM party leader Rt Hon Raila Odinga has higher chances of winning the Presidential seat. We shall host a mega rally at Maili Tatu, Igembe Central on Thursday and we welcome everyone on board.” reads part of Governor Kiraitu’s statement.
Mr. Murungi has severally been accused of being indecisive as the August 9 polls approach. He has however maintained that he had a lot of political arithmetic to do before arriving at a final decision.
According to South Imenti MP Kathuri Murungi, Governor Kiraitu Murungi’s indecisiveness pushed the UDA Party led by DP Ruto to seek an alternative lineup in Meru as the August 9 polls draw closer, a decision that was announced on Sunday last week.
“Governor Kiraitu Murungi had promised to join the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. We however realized that he was not honest, and we had to make a solid decision.” says Hon. Kathuri.
While declaring his bid last week, Senator Linturi alleged that there have been several attempts to coerce him into joining the Azimio camp as a condition for immediate withdrawal of several court cases against him.
“DCI George Kinoti is a political tool by the government to push me out of the 2022 race. On 9th of February at 11am, while at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinoti asked me to join the Azimio camp as a condition for withdrawing my court cases. But like Daniel in the Bible, I will not fear.” Linturi said at Maili Tatu on Sunday.
Meru Woman Representative Kawira Mwangaza, also a frontrunner, has also severally alleged that Governor Kiraitu sought to bribe her out of the August 9 gubernatorial race.
“A few days ago, Governor Kiraitu Murungi offered me Ksh. 200 Million, which I rejected. He is doing everything possible to see me out of the race for the County top seat. Having realized that I have all the required academic papers, he is now engaging Senior leaders to persuade me.” Kawira said at a rally in Kaani ka Ruui.
DP Ruto is expected in Meru this coming weekend to officially commission the new UDA lineup, with Senator Linturi running for Governor alongside Kathuri Murungi as Senator.
Linturi hopes to take advantage of an emerging narrative pushed by several leaders that the next Governor should come from the Igembe region, since the Imenti and Tigania regions have produced a Governor for 5 years each.
Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu however says there is much more to leadership than tribes and subtribes.
“The Meru people will not elect you as Governor just because you come from a particular region, tribe or sub-tribe. You will be shocked to realize that the people are wise enough to distinguish leaders with a track record of development and a clear vision to transform our County.” says Mr. Ntuchiu.
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