Mt Kenya East has declared National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi whose coronation split the GEMA region as their 2022 preferred presidential candidate to face off with DP William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Led by Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Mt Kenya East which comprises the Ameru, Mbeere, and Aembu communities described Muturi as a symbol of unity for the entire GEMA region and asked leaders from the populous region to back his ambition for the top seat.
“We are not ashamed to say that Muturi belongs to us and is our anointed leader. Bring us together as we look at the future. We believe that whatever formation or government, Mt Kenya has to be in it,” Murungi said.
Kiraitu who was speaking on Monday, July 12, at a Nairobi Hotel during the launch of his book, Beyond Politics, told Muturi that the Mt Kenya East region will give him all the support he needs during his entire campaign period to ensure he becomes the next State House tenant.
“You have what it takes to run this country, think about it, and as soon as you are ready inform me. I will give you all the support you need,” he said.
Justine Muturi who has declared his ambitions to succeed retiring President Uhuru Kenyatta ruled out any possibility of forming a coalition that will not guarantee him a chance of going for the top seat.
“The most important is having people who are matching my virtues, which are driving my urge for the topmost seat, and not just forming a coalition for the sake of it,” Muturi said.
The vote-rich Mt Kenya region has been split between the East (Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi) and the West (Gikuyu) following the coronation of Muturi as Mt Kenya spokesperson.
While the East supported Muturi’s coronation, their brothers from the West appeared not satisfied with the decision claiming that the Head of State is still their spokesperson.
Mt. Kenya East which comprises of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties had 1.23 million votes in the 2017 General Election whereas their West counterpart comprising of Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Laikipia County had 3.2 registered voters.
