There have been sharp political differences between the East and East Mount Kenya region over who should succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta when he steps down in 2022.
Mount Kenya East includes Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties, while West includes Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nakuru and Laikipia counties.
The East has been blaming the West for “political selfishness” since independence, as most of the leaders who have been called for leadership come from the Central region, which includes the Agikuyu community.
The East includes the communities of Ameru, Aembu and Mbeere.
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So far, some of the leaders from the region who have expressed interest in becoming for the presidency are former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Mwangi of Iria (Murang’a), politician Peter Kenneth, Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi among others.
“It is too early to say that an agreement has been reached. Local leadership is not an easy task. There must be enough dialogue that will involve all leaders, especially those who have already announced their intention to run for the presidency. I’m afraid more divisions will continue to be witnessed if proper participation is not forthcoming, ”says Mr Wycliffe Muga, a political analyst.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi says that because other communities such as the Ukambani region have their own political party, they have a shot at winning the presidential election, leaving the Ameru people behind.
“We, the Ameru, need our own political party, which is why we are consulting with leaders about forming our own Ameru political party,” he said.
However, Meru County MP Hon. Bishop Kawira Mwangaza who has declared interest to unseat Kiraitu Murungi in the 2022 Gubernatorial race says that the time has not yet come for politicians to start asking people to join political parties.
“We are aware of one political party. A party that discusses the awarding and disbursement of bursaries in order to educate needy students, a party that discusses the donation of water storage tanks to communities, a party involved in discussions about the provision and availability of medicines in hospitals across Meru County,” she said.
“The political party is not the one that does the work because, in Meru County, we have women who are always in need of funding, we have people who are sleeping hungry because I have been to many homes and witnessed families sleeping on an empty stomach, yet Kiraitu Murungi is always engaging in political discussions on the formation of new political parties,” she added.
Allies of Deputy President William Ruto say that it is clear now that the region is tired of “class leadership” and is ready to be led by “leaders who are compatible with the people.”
“The era where leadership strategies were being planned in restaurants and conference halls is over. Citizens want leaders who will be a part of them, as evidenced by the results of the by-elections in Kiambaa constituency, ”said MP Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) who is a close ally of Dr Ruto.
Like other allies, he maintains that the people will be the ones to make their own decisions without being coerced by anyone.
