President Uhuru Kenyatta’s backyard has promised to back the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s candidature for 2022 polls.
Gracing an event organized by musicians across the country in the Murang’a home of media mogul, Samuel Kamau (S.K.) Macharia, Mt Kenya leaders gave the strongest hint that they will back the ODM leader.
Though the event was as a celebration for musicians in the country after the government waived 25 per cent of excise duty from their skiza tune earnings, it was viewed as a strategic political forum to test the water for Raila’s campaign tour in Mt Kenya region.
Raila said that yesterday’s event was the start of a new dawn, a journey that will climax in fulfillment.
“Political rewards are not supposed to be paid in heaven but here in the world of the living,” he said.
“From here we will go to Nyanza next week then Western followed by Coast and all parts of the country with Uhuru standing on one side and myself on the other side.”
Political leaders from the region led by Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria appeared to endorse him for the the top seat gifting him a 13-month-old dairy cow.
Mwangi wa Iria said the country has moved away from steriotypes that inhibit ambitions on grounds of tribe and religion.
Kiambu Governor James Nyoro revealed that they have been consolidating the region for the former Prime Minister.
“We had a meeting in Meru on Saturday. We agreed that all our votes will be put in one basket. We will not divide them. But some people started attacking us. Today we are saying all those votes, former Prime Minister, will come to you,” he said.
Present at the event, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru said the region will follow the President’s direction with regard to his successor.
Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, a nephew of former President Mwai Kibaki, said Mt Kenya owes Raila a debt that must be paid in 2022.
“Before we pay that political debt of latter years, we first go to settlement of older debts. It’s time to first pay Odinga’s debt,” said Muriithi.
Former Gatanga Member of Parliament Peter Kenneth appealed to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure disbandment of the board.
He also urged musicians to reach out to Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, who lobbied for the removal of the 20 per cent Skiza excise duty, with any other creative sector legislation proposals that they may have so as to help iron out the industry.
“If there are other laws that you (musicians) want to be formed, honorable leaders are here and Gladys Wanga is not tired.That one year let us see what support the local industry can get,” said Kenneth.
“Kama kuna sheria zingine ambazo mnataka wanamuziki zitungwe, waheshimiwa wako hapa na Gladys Wanga hajachoka.”
The event was also graced by politicians including Governors Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), James Ongwae (Kisii), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), James Nyoro (Kiambu), former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth, former Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal and Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju.
At least 20 MPs attended the function, including Nduati Ngugi (Gatanga), Peter Kimari (Mathioya), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Maina Kamanda (Nominated), Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, Junet Mohamed (Suna East), among others.
The attendance that brought together leaders from Mt. Kenya, Nyanza, Eastern, Coast, among other parts of the country, prompted Odinga to state that the line-up wasn’t accidental but by design.