Several Meru leaders allied to Governor Kiraitu Murungi now want the new Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) to support DP Ruto’s presidential bid, citing his growing popularity in the region.
According to Kiraitu’s allies, DP Ruto enjoys a huge support from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu Counties – the same area Kiraitu’s party seeks to clinch in efforts to stabilize the new outfit.
“Meru is solidly behind DP Ruto. I have always supported Governor Kiraitu, but would like to advise him to ensure he listens to the Meru people. More than 70% are in support of DP Ruto’s bid,” says Nyaki West MCA Martin Mworia Kiongozi.
Kiongozi also took a swipe at Agriculture CS peter Munya for his meetings with farmers, terming them a desperate attempt to hoodwink Kenyans with empty rhetoric and anti-Ruto propaganda.
“Munya does not work with other Meru leaders. How does he think he can become the Deputy President? He needs to work with the Governor, MPs, MCAs and other leaders.
According to Ntima East MCA Joshua Mutethia Mauku, the Meru August vote will undoubtedly be in favor of the Deputy President.
“My people in Nyaki East have advised me to remain in the Mbus Party led by Kiraitu Murungi. They have however insisted that we must support DP Ruto’s presidential bid,” says Nyaki East MCA Robert Kithinji.
The Bus Party is expected to make a decision on its preferred Presidential candidate later this month, with reports indicating that a majority of the leadership prefers that the party supports DP Ruto or remains neutral.
Speaking during the launch of the Party membership registration drive last week, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi hinted at playing neutral in the August polls.
“Our Party is carrying the entire society. The Bus will carry oranges, umbrellas and wheelbarrows. It’s a party for everyone, offering a democratic space and encouraging everyone to speak,” says Governor Kiraitu.
Out of 10 MPs in Meru County, only Igembe North MP Maoka Maore is in support of Raila Odinga’s presidential bid. The remaining majority have already declared their support for DP Ruto and his bottom-up economic agenda.
The legislators in DP Ruto’s camp include Kubai Kiringo (Igembe Central), John Mwirigi (Igembe South), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Moses Kirima (Central Imenti), Kathuri Murungi (South Imenti), Joseph Kabeabea (Tigania East), and nominated MP Halima Mucheke.
Several Meru County staff are set to resign to seek elective seats in the August 9 polls, with a spot check indicating that a majority of them are tirelessly seeking to clinch UDA Party tickets.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has also severally declared his support for the Deputy President, with his recent decision to abandon plans to join the Bus Party raising eyebrows on his next political move.
“There is absolutely no other County with such a massive support for the Deputy President as Meru. More than 70% Meru residents are Rutonated. We need more robust leadership to ensure we don’t miss out from the National radar,” says Imenti South MP Kathuri Murungi.
With Agriculture CS Peter Munya in the Azimio camp and Women Rep Kawira Mwangaza recently leaning towards the same side, Kiraitu’s next political move will clearly define the political landscape in Meru County.
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