Eyes on Peter Munya in debate over running mate

Opponents of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, touted as a potential running mate for Azimio La Umoja candidate Raila Odinga, think he is too quick, perhaps rash, when making political decisions.

They accuse him of making political decisions in a hurry and without consultations. One particular incident comes to mind.

After he lost the governorship race to Kiraitu Murungi in 2017, Mr Munya cried foul and rushed to court.

And even before the case had taken off, Mr Munya immediately started to campaign for Mr Odinga for president against President Uhuru Kenyatta in the second presidential race ordered by the Supreme Court.

He ended his campaign rallies after the president and his deputy, William Ruto, met him in State House where he was prevailed upon to drop the petition and work with Mr Murungi in campaigning for President Uhuru. For that, he got a CS job.

And while Mr Munya’s detractors cite instances when he appeared to have lost his cool in political matters, his friends say those accusations are by people who misunderstand him.

Looking at his political life from his time as Tigania East MP, assistant minister, Meru governor then Cabinet Secretary in various dockets, it can be argued Mr Munya is one who knows his way around national politics.

Save for the upcoming Meru governor’s race, his possible election as Mr Odinga’s deputy is on the lips of most politicians and voters in Meru.

However, his supporters were left in a state of confusion as the CS was not among those who resigned to contest the governor’s seat, as was widely expected.

And though the jury is still out on whether a state official can be plucked from their position to become a presidential running mate, many still hold on to the hope that Mr Munya is picked as Mr Odinga’s number two.

Mr Munya, also a former two-term chairman of Council of Governors, has addressed the issue in his recent meetings with farmers, with local politicians vouching for his competence and suitability for the seat.

A former lecturer of law at Moi University who hails from Nyambene, Mr Munya said he would not turn down the chance to be deputy president if offered it.

He said he had been in the race for governor and voters would have ensured he captured the seat, but then President Uhuru prevailed upon him to stay on as Agriculture CS.

Even as his detractors cite various reasons, including legal, that could work against him in the race for the DP slot, his backers point to ‘sacrifices’ he had made ‘for sticking his neck out for Baba’. 

Some of his staunch allies in Meru like Julius ‘Kiroria’ Mugambi, think President Kenyatta should have a say in Mr Munya’s fate as a potential running mate for Mr Odinga.

Mr Mugambi said one of Mr Munya’s ‘sacrifices’ was giving up his quest for governor.

“Meru was anticipating a Munya gubernatorial race and administration between 2022 and 2027. The people of Meru have their minds set that Munya becomes the running mate,” he said.

Mr Mugambi said Mr Munya should be at the head of potential running mates including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Justice Minister Martha Karua.

Though this is dismissed by those who claim Mr Munya, a former student at Meru School lacks the credentials necessary for the position, Mr Mugambi says he has been consistent in his support for Mr Odinga, compared to others.

He said Mr Munya had from the start been a key supporter of BBI and Mr Odinga’s presidential ambition, before others came into the picture.

“When Munya was in all this struggle Kalonzo was nowhere. Martha Karua was fighting the BBI saying it was a burden,” he said.

He said it would not augur well for Mr Odinga’s campaign if Mr Munya is not on the presidential ballot.

“It would be an insult to the people of Meru because Munya’s loyalty to the President has been unwavering. Out of all these people who have been loyal to you, has your vision, who has you at heart,” he said.

But leading political analyst Prof Gitile Naituli disagrees, arguing that Mr Munya does not command the votes and (leadership) qualities.

“For somebody to be considered a viable running mate, first, temperament must come into play so that we know whether you are somebody who can actually be President.

“Number two, Raila Odinga and William Ruto, to be able to take you as their running mate they need to access how many votes can you bring on board,” Prof Naituli said.

The professor said in comparison to available options, Mr Munya does not qualify.

“For Raila the available option is Martha Karua who I think perfectly fits the bill because she brings the gender dimension and a long history of being a leader: very brave, no inch of corruption over the years which is a challenge to the country because it is endemic.”