A section of Meru politicians has downplayed the recent defection of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Speaking after a meeting with Raila Odinga on Sunday, September 4, the leaders allied to Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition assured the former prime minister of the region’s support in the wake of post-election defections.

Kiraitu joins Ruto camp

Kiraitu ditched Azimio on Friday and was received to Kenya Kwanza by President-elect William Ruto at his Karen residence in Nairobi.

The former county boss was accompanied by a section of elected leaders of his Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) party popularly known as Mbus.

Led by Kiraitu’s long-term rival and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, the Meru leaders on Sunday assured Raila that the region is solidly behind him.

“Meru has always given you more votes than any other part of the Mount Kenya region. We got 31 out of 45 MCAs and 3 MPs a proof that we are in Azimio than they ever thought,” the leaders said in a joint statement.

Munya claimed Kiraitu’s defection to Ruto’s camp is a confirmation of what they have always believed, that the DEP leader has always been sympathetic to Kenya Kwanza.

“Our message to you is Meru is intact. We are stronger than ever before and indeed the defection of the former governor of Meru is just a confirmation of what we have always known that his sympathy lay elsewhere. Therefore it’s better to have strong people who are committed to you than saboteurs. Saboteurs have left and we are left with a stronger team,” Munya stated.

Munya expressed confidence that Azimio will emerge victorious in the Supreme Court petition challenging Ruto’s election tomorrow when the judgement will be delivered.

“We believe our victory can not be taken away and we are eagerly waiting for the judgement that will be delivered tomorrow. We believe it will be fair and just and we are ready to continue with this journey to our destination…Those who have left we wish them well. Good riddance, he has finally joined the government he always described as government of thieves,” he added.

Raila’s running mate Martha Karua also affirmed that Azimio remains strong in Meru.

“It’s better to have a few committed members than to have hangers on whose minds and souls are elsewhere,” the Narc Kenya leader stated.

On his part, Raila expressed his delight over Azimio’s big victory in the Meru County Assembly. He urged the leaders not to be shaken by the recent defections.

“Times like this is when you know people who have clear ideological commitment who stand on principle and those who are wavering. We have seen opportunists trying to run away from their original positions. This is not something new. It has always been there,” Raila said adding that he hopes the Supreme Court will deliver a fair ruling tomorrow.