The Party of National Unity (PNU) has kicked out ODM leader Raila Odinga’s chief campaigner and Laikipia Governor Ndiriitu Muriithi from the party.
A notice that appeared in the local dailies on Wednesday, January 18, stated that the first-term Governor is not a member of PNU and is not authorized to speak on its behalf or represent it in any meeting.
“PNU wishes to make it clear that it has structures, rules and regulations, and a working constitution,” PNU Secretary-General, John Okemwa Anunda said.
Muriithi who was recently picked to lead Raila Odinga’s campaign team ahead of the August 9, General Election had said he will use the PNU party to retain his gubernatorial seat.
While Muriithi is yet to give an official response to his ejection from PNU, the decision to kick him out has exposed the supremacy battle in the party.
The first-term governor who was elected on an independent ticket is embroiled in a supremacy battle with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya on who should be the party’s leader.
The party leader position has been vacant since 2019 when PNU elected other officials but failed to install a substantive head.
Last week, Muriithi who is currently the Finance, Planning, and Economic Affairs Committee chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG) while joining the Party of National Unity said he will ensure that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake partner wins the presidency.
Speaking on Thursday, January 6, at Nyahururu town where he called on Kenyans to rally their support for Raila, Ndiritu clarified that his support for the ODM leader should not be misinterpreted to mean he had joined ODM.
“I am honored that they have picked me as Chairman of the campaign team. Raila is a visionary leader who I will support, but I will be vying on a PNU ticket,” he said.
