Raila Odinga endorses Maina Njenga for Laikipia Senate seat

Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga(left) speaks with Maina Njenga during a past event. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga has endorsed former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga for the Laikipia Senate seat.

This is after he managed to convince Jubilee Party candidate John Mwaniki to step down in favour of Maina who is vying for the seat on Kanu ticket.

“Mwaniki and Maina were vying for the Senate seat. We have spoken with the two. We have agreed that I will take Mwaniki with me to the national government. He will now support Maina,” said Raila.

He made the announcement during a rally held in Nyahururu town, yesterday, where he paraded the two and held their hands in solidarity.

“I am urging you to give me soldiers who will defend me from our opponents who may hold me hostage as we form the next government. Give me Azimio candidates only,” said Raila.

Maina unsuccessfully vied for the seat in the 2017 General Election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had gazetted ten candidates for the seat.

Earlier during the rally, former Foreign Affair PS Thuita Mwangi who is vying for the same seat on Narc Kenya ticket was jeered by a section of the crowd in the presence of party leader and Azimio presidential running mate Martha Karua.

It took the intervention of Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi to calm down the youths before Thuita addressed the rally.

Interesting, Raila snubbed Julius Mamaiyo of ODM who is also eyeing the senate seat and attended the rally.

Kenya Kwanza candidates for the seat are incumbent Senator John Kinyua (UDA), John Githinji (TSP), Henry Kimani (Chama Cha Kazi) and Robert Maina (ANC).

Stephen Chege and Jackson Karuoya are vying as independent candidates.