The coronation of National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has dimmed Ruto and Raila’s plans to win the Mt. Kenya vote.
Muturi has stood out as president Uhuru’s preferred candidate in the region.
Ruto’s Tanga Tanga members from the region are said to be contemplating a move to welcome the speaker in their camp.
Even though Kieleweke members from the Mt. Kenya region have been opposed to Muturi’s coronation, Tanga Tanga have warmed up to him, hoping that he would join them.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Maragura said that they are planning on forwarding Muturi’s name to Ruto, for consideration when selecting his 2022 running mate.
“We will initiate talks with DP Ruto o discuss on Muturi being his running mate. It is a good idea,” said Gitonga.
The MP also said that they will hold talks with two Tanga Tanga politicians opposed to Muturi’s coronation, and convince them to endorse him.
On the other hand, Raila’s hopes in the region have been dimmed through the coronation.
The ceremony shuttered Petter Kenneth’s ambition to be the spokesperson of the region. Raila has been working with the former Gatanga MP to get an endorsement from the Central region.
Kenneth was among the leaders who oppossed the coronation of Muturi, threatening to block the ritual from taking place at the Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga shrine in Murang’a.
The coronation of Muturi has further divided the Mt. Kenya leaders allied to Uhuru into two opposing forces.
Governors from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu backed Muturi’s endorsement, while those from Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nakuru and Nyeri vehemently opposed it.
The pro-Muturi team argued that it is time Kikuyu’s from the West supported one from the East.
On the other hand, Muturi’s critics argued that President Uhuru still stands as the regional kingpin, and this cannot be changed.
