Politicians in Mount Kenya now say that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Justin Muturi, is being groomed by President Uhuru Kenyatta as the co-candidate for ODM Raila Odinga.
Politicians from the Tangatanga faction in Mount Kenya East say they are reluctant to tout Mr Muturi for fear of helping Mr Odinga gain prominence in the region.
Speaking during a fundraising event for the construction of Nthaara High School classrooms, Taharaka constituency – attended by Mr Muturi – Tharaka MP, Mr Gitonga called on the Speaker of the National Assembly, to support Dr Ruto.
He claimed that the Mount Kenya region supported Dr Ruto and therefore Mr Muturi deserved to be the running mate of the Deputy President.
“We want you to join the Hasla movement so that you can negotiate with Dr Ruto as his co-candidate,” said Mr Murugara.
In an interview with Taifa Leo, Tharaka Nithi Women’s Representative, Beatrice Nkatha, said she wanted Mr Muturi to work with the Deputy President to form the next government.
“Muturi is a good leader and he is in a good position to be Dr Ruto’s running mate. But it seems Muturi is President Kenyatta’s ally to make him Mr Odinga’s running mate, “said Ms Nkatha.
Mr Muturi has insisted that he will continue his efforts to become president in 2022 and will continue to talk to leaders with similar visions to form a coalition.
He said he would not hold talks with leaders who he is well aware are guided by personal interests.
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“I agree that the aspiring leaders should sit down and talk but I will only talk to politicians who have the same vision as me,” he said.
He said leaders should give priority to the interests of the people and not their own.
“Every leader should also be at the forefront of ensuring that the elections are peaceful and that they are ready to accept the results,” he said.
Mbeere North MP, Mr Muriuki Njagagua and his Kirinyaga Central counterpart, Mr Munene Wambugu, and the Director of National Museums, Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia who also attended the event described Mr Muturi as a visionary, hardworking and humble leader while encouraging local people. of Mount Kenya to support him.
Mr Njagagua called on all Mount Kenya regional leaders to support Mr Muturi as he prepares for the presidency to succeed President Kenyatta next year.
“It is sad to see some of the leaders of Mount Kenya opposing Mr Muturi even though they know he is our mainstay after President Kenyatta retires in 2022,” said Mr Njagagua.
Mr Wambugu urged Mr Muturi to unite the people of Mount Kenya to win all the votes next year.
Mr Muturi has vowed to unite Mount Kenya to vote for him in 2022, stressing that the people of the region have been together even before Kenya gained independence and will not allow residents to be divided by politicians.
