Speaker Justin Muturi and Governor Kiraitu Murungi lead Mt Kenya East leaders in pondering way forward, ready to ditch Jubilee
By Dorcas Mbatia, May 28, 2021
Governor Kiraitu Murungi and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, on Saturday, led a section of leaders from the region in calling for unity ahead of 2022 general elections while threatening to ‘walk alone’ if their West counterparts fail to politically reciprocate.
“Right now, there is a lot of confusion in Mt Kenya politics and if we continue to get confused, we will lose in the national map as people from the East. The time has come for Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties to be at the centre of the transitional government. Our friends from the other side of GEMA need to back us now, And If they don’t, we will walk alone,” Kiraitu said.
He was speaking during a thanks-giving ceremony at his Nkubu home where he regretted that the region has been politically shortchanged after escorting their West counterparts to clinch to power.
He further added that the region is slowly starting to put their house in order following numerous calls by leaders to revive the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) which had been the Meru outfit.
“Politics is like a horse race. It depends on how fast one walks and now we have decided to settle on Muturi. I am comfortable with him being the kingpin,” Kiraitu added.
Muturi who also attended the ceremony, on his part, added that there was a need to have a unity of purpose in order to enable the region push their agenda forward.
“There is need to speak in one voice and I’m ready to consult with my elder Kiraitu for the best direction the region wants,” Muturi said.
Prof. Peter Kagwanja, who has been at the forefront pushing for the installation of Muturi as the region’s kingpin also expressed fears that Mt Kenya West leaders would not support their East counterparts.
“East supported Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta and we know that West owes East a debt. Even those leaders who are complaining know very well that this marriage is not guaranteed,” he added.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood further added that there was urgent need to revive the Mbus party that was headed by Kiraitu.
“We need our regional political party even if it means to revive the Mbus. We will buy new tyres for it even if it doesn’t have any,” the MP said.
More than 50 members of the county assembly also vowed to push for a regional party ahead of the next general elections.