Governor reluctant to join JAP, says leaders want to take his seat

From left, Tharaka Nithi women representative Beatrice Nkatha, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, Governor Samuel Ragwa and Muthambi ward MCA Wilson Nyaga launching the construction of Muraga Technical Institute in Maara constituency on October 6. (PHOTO: ISAAC KATHARE/STANDARD)

Governor Samuel Ragwa has said he will join the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) on condition that it will benefit his people.

Mr Ragwa skipped the Mt Kenya East political caucus meeting at Nkubu Heritage Hotel two weeks ago, where the caucus agreed to use JAP as its political vehicle in 2017 elections.

"I can't join a party because others have joined. I will scrutinise its membership because Kenya is a democracy," he said.

Ragwa added the caucus' decision to join JAP might not work for all leaders since some like him, had not understood its membership structure, having not read its memorandum of understanding. Ragwa expressed fear that there is a plot to lock out some members from getting JAP party tickets in 2017.

Others who did not attend the caucus meeting alongside Ragwa are governors Peter Munya and Martin Wambora of Meru and Embu respectively.

He asserted he was not opposed to JAP, but only feared that some MPs allied to the party officials were eyeing the governors' seats through its ticket.

Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha and Mitheru ward MCA Wilson Nyaga maintained that leaders who will run on JAP tickets are assured of winning, and urged Ragwa to join the party if he wants to retain the governorship.

Meanwhile, JAP member registration process has kicked off in Mt Kenya East region, where 200 agents have already registered in readiness for 2017.