I won't back down from my State House bid, vows Governor Mwangi wa Iria

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria expressed frustrations with the police action to block his Presidential campaign convoy in Nyandarua on Sunday. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has lodged a protest after his presidential campaign convoy was blocked by police in Nyandarua on Sunday.

Iria, who is campaigning for the presidency through Usawa Kwa Wote party, said his convoy was blocked by security agents, a day after Amani National Congress Leader Musalia Mudavadi toured the county on Saturday.

Deputy President William Ruto was also in Nyeri campaigning and passed through Murang'a County without any interruption.

Addressing the press in Murang’a today, Iria blamed the incident on Mt Kenya leaders who have endorsed other presidential candidates from other regions. He declared he will not be intimidated by anybody in his pursuit for the presidency next year.

“I am not a lesser presidential candidate to be humiliated by police on the excuse of Covid-19 protocols in Nyandarua. Mt Kenya region is being profiled for political reasons and this must stop,” said the governor.

He accused some Mt Kenya leaders of going to political bed with selected presidential candidates who will appoint them into leadership positions if they win.

He demanded an explanation from Police Inspector General Hilary Mutyambai on the discrimination in Nyandarua, while other presidential candidates are provided with security in the tour of counties.

“What my convoy went through in Nyandarua is regrettable and I am ready to face those policemen, and know the force behind their uncalled for action,” said Iria backed by Usawa Kwa Wote officials.

Governor Iria (right) was to join the team in Nakuru. [File, Standard]

On Sunday, Nyandarua County Commissioner Benson Lepormorijo said the convoy was blocked from proceeding as the county was a Covid-19 hot spot, citing government regulations to stop spread of the disease.

“The government stopped political gatherings and the meeting will not be allowed due to increased Covid-19 infections,” said the county administrator.

But Iria said he will visit Nyandarua on a later date and distribute heifers to residents. “Nyandarua people are interested in strategies to improve the dairy sector because today a litre of milk is selling at Sh18 in the county, while in Murang’a we are paying Sh40 a litre,” said Iria.

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