Mwangi wa Iria joins Raila’s Azimio camp
Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has defected to the Azimio -One Kenya coalition.
The Usawa party presidential aspirant announced his decision to join forces with Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga at a press conference on Tuesday, July 19.
Iria was denied clearance by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in May for failing to meet several requirements.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the governor said Raila's administration will implement his proposed 'one cow, one household' program.
"I told Raila that if we combined his Ksh6,000 pledge and my cow programme then we will take Kenyan families above the poverty line. I told him that if those two things were in our joint manifesto, then, we would have a deal.
"Through that joined manifesto, Usawa Kwa Wote will support the candidature of Raila. My supporters will now rally behind Raila Odinga," he stated.
The ODM party leader has promised to roll out a social protection program that will support needy families with a monthly stipend of Ksh6,000, if elected in August.
Iria's decision to join Azimio is a boost for the candidate in his bid to woo the vote-rich Mount Kenya region, where his main challenger William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza enjoys overwhelming support.
