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Leaders from Murang’a have asked ODM leader Raila Odinga to pick his running mate from the county in return for their support in the next election.

The leaders said the people of Murang’a had supported previous governments without getting any senior government position in return. Speaking during a meeting with Raila at a hotel in Thika town, the leaders proposed former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth as Raila’s Deputy President if the former Prime Minister wins the August election.

Among the politicians present were Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, Jubilee vice chair David Murathe, Kenneth, Mount Kenya Foundation chairman Peter Munga, Water PS Joseph Irungu, former Murang’a senator Kembi Gitura, nominated MP Maina Kamanda, local MPs Ngugi Nduati (Gatanga), Ruth Mwaniki (Kigumo), Peter Kimari (Mathioya), Sabina Chege (Woman Rep) and Muturi Kigano (Kangema).

Massive campaign “It would be very appropriate if we got a deputy president from Murang’a in return for the support the people give you,” said Kigano.

The MP accused Deputy President William Ruto of frustrating President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“If you pick Kenneth, you can be assured that he will help you accomplish all that you have planned for this country,” he added.

Kamanda said Kiambu and Nyeri had already produced presidents and that it was Murang’a’s time to have a say in national politics.

He said the leaders will go to the grassroots to drum up support for Raila.

“We shall go to every part of this country to sell him and I’m sure people will accept him,” he said.

Kamanda said they will conduct a massive campaign for Azimio la Umoja.

“We are going to take the region by storm and anybody who will not have joined Azimio is bound to lose,” he said.

 Munga exuded confidence that Raila will carry the day, adding that they opted to support him because he has the capacity to lead.

“We welcomed Odinga to the mountain and he has been touring the region and people are warming up to him,” said Munga.

Kenneth said Raila is the best candidate to secure President Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy.

“We must guard what Uhuru will leave behind after his term in office lapses and we have the right person for that,” he said.

The CS said many projects, which are ongoing, could be abandoned if the “wrong” person took over.

Raila said he is not looking for followers but partners to help him accomplish his mission.

He said Kenya has been playing in a lower league and he plans to steer it to greater heights in line with the Vision 2030.

“The development plan is still on just that it derailed but we shall put it back on track,” he said.

The former Prime Minister said he was on a mission to unite the country and make the people speak in one voice.

The meeting was in preparation for Raila’s campaign rally at Ihura Stadium on Saturday. “The rally will be like no other and it shall be the real earthquake,” he said.