Cracks have emerged within the Mt Kenya region as the battle to be Raila Odinga’s running mate heats up ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Already, four camps have emerged from Raila Odinga’s supporters from Mt Kenya each fronting their person to deputise the ODM leader.
Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, Nakuru Governor Lee Nikyanjui, and his Laikipia Counterpart Ndiritu Muiithi are among those being fronted to be Raila Odinga’s running mate.
Also in the mixed are recently endorsed Mt Kenya spokesperson and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua as well as Agriculture CS Peter Munya.
It now appears that the region which has already been divided between the East (Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Meru) and the West (basically the Agikuyu) will not be fielding a serious presidential candidate has attracted the attention of all the 2022 presidential candidates who have been pitching a tent in the region.
The huge voting bloc through its spokesperson Martha Karua maintained that it will only support a presidential candidate who will guarantee them the deputy president slot as well as 40 percent of state appointments.
Nominated MP Maina Kamanda told the People Daily newspaper that Peter Kenneth stands out to be the best person to deputise President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake partner.
“The people of Murang’a have suffered a lot for this country. Secondly, Murang’a is the only county that in the central region that has been actively involved in Raila’s campaign,” Kamanda said.
It is believed that Kenneth is said to enjoy the support of the Mount Kenya Foundation as well as Jubilee vice-chair David Murathe.
Despite all these factors, sections of Mt Kenya East leaders want one of their own to be named Raila Odinga’s running mate with his proponents insisting that the Mt Kenya East has for long stood with their Mt Kenya West counterpart hence it’s time for the latter to reciprocate their support.
On the other hand, Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi’s Party of National Unity (PNU) has signed an agreement with Raila Odinga’s ODM with insiders saying the deal could see him picked to deputise the record presidential aspirant.
This comes at a time when Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has been named the most preferred running mate for presidential candidates in all polls conducted in Mt Kenya region.
