Forget Mt Kenya votes, Waiguru, Kamanda tell DP
Robert Ochoro, Evans Nyakundi and Hillary Mageka
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Nominated MP Maina Kamanda have told Deputy President William Ruto to forget the presidency.
The two said the Mt Kenya region fully backs President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga and the Building Bridges Initiative.
Addressing delegates at Kisii Sports Club during the first Nyanza region leaders BBI forum co-hosted by governors James Ongwae (Kisii) and John Nyagarama (Nyamira) on Friday, the two said although Ruto has been frequenting the Mt Kenya region, his forays may not translate into votes.
“We will not follow anyone blindly but we are firmly behind the President and ODM leader. You can rent a Kikuyu but you cannot buy a Kikuyu,” Waiguru said.
The governor, who led a delegation from her county, said BBI will unite Kenyans, bring about inclusivity, empower the youth and women and foster devolution.
She called for gender parity in sharing of the government positions proposed by the BBI report.
Kamanda said no amount of money would influence the voting patterns of the Mt Kenya region.
“I want to tell the person pouring money to our people, you don’t know the Kikuyu community. The money has been poured, yes, but in the end you will not get anything from Central,” said Kamanda.
He warned Ruto’s allies in the region that they risk losing their seats in the 2022 election.
“These politicians are seeking employment in the next government but the people they are anticipating to form the government will not succeed,” he said.
Kamanda said the people of the region will back whoever Uhuru and Raila will tell them to vote for.
Leader of Minority in the Senate John Mbadi said the BBI report will help the government implement the Big Four agenda.
Mbadi, who is the Suba North MP, said BBI was about the country’s progress and posterity and dismissed claims it is meant to serve selfish political interests.
