Looming Mashujaa Day celebrations bring together political rivals in Kirinyaga

General view of the artists during the Mashujaa Day celebrations' Recce concert at the Wanguru Stadium, Kirinyaga County. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

When Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho announced that he was ready to work with Kirinyaga businessman Anthony Ngirici, many were in disbelief.

Ngirici who is the husband of woman rep Purity Ngirici has in the past had many run-ins with the Interior PS.

Some leaders even speculated that Kibicho was to be Wangui's running mate for governor's position, a claim that Kibicho has since refuted, saying he was a government employee not ready to join politics for now.

"I called the wife one day to speak about Mashujaa fete and the husband called back asking why I wanted to arrest him. We agreed to meet and that was the beginning of Kirinyaga Kwanza," Kibicho divulged.

The PS eventually met with the businessman at a meeting in Kagio market last month and a handshake between the two was witnessed by hundreds of people in attendance.

"I know Ngirici you called me many names but I have forgiven you. I had many ways of harassing you but I chose peace for our motherland," the PS said in the meeting.

Their second meeting saw current, former and aspiring political leaders turn up at the Sifa Gardens in Kutus to discuss how to benefits of hosting the national fete in the county.