Linturi leads Meru politicians in wooing Muturi to join Ruto, promises to bargain for deputy president position
A section of Meru leaders is wooing National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to join Kenya Kwanza Alliance ahead of the August 9, polls.
Speaking while accompanying Muturi on his campaign tour in Meru county, Meru Senator Mithika Linturi and South Imenti MP Kathuri Murungi urged the presidential candidate to team up with Deputy President William Ruto for what he calls the benefit of Mt.Kenya region.
Addressing Democratic Party (DP) delegates at Kithoka in Imenti North, the leaders allied to the DP camp promised goodies to Muturi saying they are ready to negotiate with Ruto to pick Muturi as his running mate.
"My brother, we love you so much being the son of the soil. We know you are the best to present us at the high table as Mt.Kenya people because being third in command, you are equal to the task. So, we are asking you to join Ruto and we are here to talk to him to pick you as his second in command," Linturi said.
Linturi who is vying for Meru gubernatorial seat also expressed disappointment with President Uhuru Kenyatta whom he blamed for not endorsing his deputy or Muturi in the presidential race.
Muturi, on his hand, did not confirm or deny whether he will join the DP Ruto but said there is a need for every region to speak in one voice and walk in the same political direction.
He further said there is a need for Mt.Kenya leaders to come together and strengthen the Democratic Party that has roots in the region to help the vote-rich region reap big in the next formation.
"We cannot benefit by being divided. We need to strengthen one party and make it more powerful without fighting , insulting or hatred so that we can increase our bargaining power for the share of the national cake," he said.
