Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi has kicked off a political storm by endorsing Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire for the Embu gubernatorial seat.
Kiraitu said Ms Mbarire has what it takes to be governor in the controversy-ridden county.The announcement was seen as a direct assault on Governor Martin Wambora who has had a love-hate relationship with the local leaders. Mr Wambora, who holds the dubious distinction of being the most impeached governor under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, has been at logger heads with some MPs and Members of the County Assembly.Interestingly, Kiraitu and Mbarire are from different political parties which are however affiliated to the ruling Jubilee coalition.
Kiraitu is the founder and leader of Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) while Mbarire belongs to The National Alliance (TNA).The senator, who spoke in the presence of Mbarire and MPs John Muchiri and Muriuki Njagagua, said the former assistant minister was fit to vie for the Embu County chief's post.He said development in Embu County had stagnated due to leadership wrangles and the only way to change was for the Embu people to organise their politics well and have the right leaders in place.
"Embu and Mbeere communities have no option but to co-exist peacefully and give equal opportunities to all. The governor's seat requires someone who can communicate effectively, who can push things around and make noise when required. Mbarire fits the bill," he said.
Wambora said Kiraitu's declaration had no impact in Embu and described it as meaningless and misguided."If he (Kiraitu) wants to endorse his line up, let him do it in Meru where he is a registered voter. His word does not hold sway here," Wambora said.Wambora also accused Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti of bringing senators to Embu "to create a wedge between him and the MCAs just when our working relationship has improved.
Wambora's political advisor Joshua Kanake said Kiraitu's sentiments were aimed at keeping the governor busy responding to criticism so that he does not perform his mandate.
"It is unfortunate that Mr Kivuti would gather senators from areas that have a lot of trouble to export their woes to Embu. It is up to Embu people to judge the performance of their leader," Mr Kanake said.He said if Kiraitu feels Mbarire can perform well as a governor, he should support her to vie for the same position in Meru County where he comes from and not Embu.Kanake also dismissed assertions by Kivuti that he had brought close to Sh8 billion to Embu County that Wambora's administration could not account for saying that was just an accusation meant to derail the governor from his work.Mwariama Council of Elders Chairman Njagi Kumantha also dismissed Kiraitu's endorsement of Mbarireas ill-timed and far-fetched.
Kiraitu said Ms Mbarire has what it takes to be governor in the controversy-ridden county.The announcement was seen as a direct assault on Governor Martin Wambora who has had a love-hate relationship with the local leaders. Mr Wambora, who holds the dubious distinction of being the most impeached governor under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, has been at logger heads with some MPs and Members of the County Assembly.Interestingly, Kiraitu and Mbarire are from different political parties which are however affiliated to the ruling Jubilee coalition.
Kiraitu is the founder and leader of Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) while Mbarire belongs to The National Alliance (TNA).The senator, who spoke in the presence of Mbarire and MPs John Muchiri and Muriuki Njagagua, said the former assistant minister was fit to vie for the Embu County chief's post.He said development in Embu County had stagnated due to leadership wrangles and the only way to change was for the Embu people to organise their politics well and have the right leaders in place.
"Embu and Mbeere communities have no option but to co-exist peacefully and give equal opportunities to all. The governor's seat requires someone who can communicate effectively, who can push things around and make noise when required. Mbarire fits the bill," he said.
Wambora's political advisor Joshua Kanake said Kiraitu's sentiments were aimed at keeping the governor busy responding to criticism so that he does not perform his mandate.
"It is unfortunate that Mr Kivuti would gather senators from areas that have a lot of trouble to export their woes to Embu. It is up to Embu people to judge the performance of their leader," Mr Kanake said.He said if Kiraitu feels Mbarire can perform well as a governor, he should support her to vie for the same position in Meru County where he comes from and not Embu.Kanake also dismissed assertions by Kivuti that he had brought close to Sh8 billion to Embu County that Wambora's administration could not account for saying that was just an accusation meant to derail the governor from his work.Mwariama Council of Elders Chairman Njagi Kumantha also dismissed Kiraitu's endorsement of Mbarireas ill-timed and far-fetched.
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