Mt Kenya leaders pledge to support Gideon and Kanu

A section of Central leaders have pledged support for Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s political ambitions.

Yesterday, a delegation of more than 2,000 leaders from nine counties in Central met the Kanu chairman at his Kabarak home, where they urged him to tour various parts of the country and seek support of residents.

The delegates were drawn from Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Laikipia and Nyandarua counties.

Kiambu Women Representative Gathoni wa Muchomba, Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina, Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat, Tiaty MP William Kamket, former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and former Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Ann Wangechi were present. 

Also present were former President Moi’s press secretary Lee Njiru, former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurken and Kanu women congress leaders among other leaders. 

The delegates converged to condole with Gideon following the death of his father, former President Moi and deliberate on current affairs.

Jane Wanjiku, a delegate from Kiambu County said their visit was meant to show solidarity with the Independence party.

Wanjiku explained that Kanu has stood the test of time and is best placed to unite Kenyans.

“Even as we condole with the family we are here to celebrate and show solidarity with the Kanu party. Other parties have been at the centre of tribal politics and we believe that Kanu is the only party that can unite Kenyans,” she said.

Kanu chairman Meru County branch, Peter Mwongera said their main goal is to see Kenya united regardless of the different political ideologies.

“As Meru community we desire a country where our point of reference shall be our nationality rather than tribal groupings. We need to stick together as we all did during the fight for independence,” said Mwongera.

Mwongera described the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) as the ultimate driver to achieving national unity as it addresses issues that divide Kenyans.

“As Kanu we believe in Senator Gideon as our leader and we shall follow the direction he shall give us on the BBI,” said Mr Mwongera.

Strong foundation

The central Kenya delegation chairperson George Wainaina announced they will back the senator come the 2022 General Election.

“We believe that Senator Gideon is the right person to lead Kenya in the next government,” he said.

Gladys Chania, the chairperson of Kanu Women Congress Kiambu County said they will team up with the Kanu youth congress to mobilise support for the party across the country.

Bishop Paul Njuguna of Akurino Holy Christian Church noted that Gideon has the blessings of his father and has demonstrated true leadership. 

Mr Salat revealed that the original certificate of Kanu is still being held by President Uhuru Kenyatta who is the former party chair.

Mr Njiru said Gideon can be entrusted with national leadership having received the Rungu ya Nyayo. 

“You were given Mzee Moi’s rungu. This points that you don’t belong to county leadership but should be a national leader,” said Njiru. Former Speaker Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Wangechi noted that Kanu has a strong foundation that is key to offer visionary leaders and lead the country to prosperity.

Former Mungiki leader Njenga urged the senator to uphold Nyayo’s philosophy of peace, love and unity and follow in Mzee Moi’s footsteps. 

Kiambu Women Rep waMuchomba said Mt Kenya people know the value of their votes and all they need is respect and not money.

She described the senator as their son tasked with uniting Kenyans. Waititu announced that he had decamped from Jubilee to Kanu where he belongs.

About turn

“I am still the bonafide chairman for Kanu Embakasi branch. I was elected when Uhuru was elected national chairperson. I am taking an about turn back to Kanu where I belong. I shall walk with you throughout Mt Kenya region,” Waititu said.

Tiaty MP said Kanu is being revived with a view of making it the strongest party in the country. Nyeri Senator noted that Gideon has demonstrated leadership qualities just like his father.

The Baringo Senator urged the people to give President Kenyatta ample time to revive the economy.

Gideon said when the right time comes he will visit Mt Kenya and hold talks with the people.