Warm reception for Karua in Ruto home turf raises eyebrows
The rousing reception accorded to Azimio-One Kenya Coalition running mate Martha Karua at Deputy President William Ruto’s Uasin Gishu backyard on Sunday has caused political jitters in the region considered a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) stronghold.
People Daily yesterday established that some DP allies were uncomfortable with the reception Karua was accorded at the heart of UDA leader’s perceived stronghold and may be forced to go back to the drawing board.
“The DP will have to work extra hard to ensure that he gets all the votes in region. He should not assume that all is well at home,” a Rift Valley MP and a close ally to the DP, who preferred anonymity told People Daily.
ODM chief Raila Odinga held a similar meeting in Eldoret early this year where he also received a warm reception. The DP has held only one big rally at his home turf where he launched his campaign bid at Eldoret Sports Club early this year where he was ‘given blessings by elders and residents to look for votes in other parts of the country.’
He has instead been letting his team led by his running mate Rigathi Gachagua and Musalia Mudavadi campaign for him in the North Rift region as he campaigns in other parts of the country.
War on corruption ODM Secretary for Devolution Kipkorir arap Menjo, a long-time Raila ally yesterday said North Rift region was moving away from party euphoria and embracing political diversity.
“UDA should know that the ground is shifting and will vote for people based on their development ideologies. Raila is the man to beat in Rift Valley,” said Menjo.
He argued that Raila and Karua’s fight against corruption is unrivalled and that they would save the country more than Sh800 billion lost every year to graft. Karua and her entourage caused a stir after they abandoned their vehicles and trekked for over three kilometres, on the busy Uganda road to Huruma grounds greeting supporters.
The former Gichugu MP was hosted by Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, former Head of Civil Service Dr Sally Kosgey and former Kenya ambassador to Turkey Stephen Tarus.
