NAIROBI, KENYA: Maina Kamanda has caused political storm taking on one of his Jubilee bosses head on by vowing to stop the presidential bid of William Ruto.
This caused for the first time a political drift in Mt Kenya. With some agreeing to the move fronted by President Uhuru’s right hand man and former jubilee vice chairperson David Murathe and others openly rejecting the move terming it an outright betrayal.
The nominated Member of Parliament and former Starehe Member of Parliament is a veteran politician with more than 30 years’ experience in top flight politics.
Maina Kamanda has support on the ground in Nairobi County with many already claiming to miss his reign in Starehe constituency. He is a huge influencer in the Jubilee party and a key decision maker in party politics and orientation, hence his automatic nomination as Member of Parliament.
The former chairman of the parliamentary committee of transport is a major critic of how Nairobi County is run by Mike Sonko and has openly criticised the governor’s populist stunts and media politics. Though he is a big name in Nairobi, his age and method of politics will be a huge hindrance if word of his planned ambition to dethrone Mike Sonko as Nairobi Governor is true.
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Maina Kamanda now leads a group of Mt Kenya political kingpins in a bid to block William Ruto bid for the high office. He has since been lobbying for a common vision in the voter rich region through popular vernacular stations. It’s believed that he is one of the main politicians plotting for the creation of a new Political party which will represent Mt Kenya and other allied regions like Western Kenya, Eastern, Nyanza, North Eastern and Coast region.
Maina believes he is better placed to front the policies that will ensure the dominance and interests of the Mt Kenya Region are protected. Since he has the image, experience and confidence of most decision makers.
But the ex-Starehe legislature has a tough call with many people from the region arguing that he has a bad political record through his 30 years in politics with very few development mile stones and no real policies or motions in parliament.
Another factor is his signature chest thumping political approach. Political analysts have argued most of his political strategies are outdated and risky for developing countries.
Maina Kamanda has shown his courage many times before and is obviously not a walk over and Deputy President William Ruto is wary to his wits and influence.
