Kiraitu Complicates Matters for Raila Presidential Campaign

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has thrown a spanner in the works for the Azimio la Umoja movement after he seemingly made a U-turn in soliciting votes for the coalition’s presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

The Governor, while on a tour in his Meru County, informed his people to vote the Presidential candidate of their choice, noting that the mandate was left in the people’s hands. 

Kiraitu, who is the Devolution Empowerment Party boss, added that he would work with whoever the people chose, should he be re-elected in the upcoming General Election. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi.

KBC

He, however, noted that he alongside his wife would vote for Raila in the next General Election –  insisting that the country’s democracy had matured to the extent that everyone had the freedom of choice and association. 

“If Ruto wins, he will disburse funds to Kiraitu Murungi as governor, if Raila wins, he will also give funds to Kiraitu, because I will be governor. so, at the top, select whoever you may please.”

“Whoever you choose, it’s alright, as long as you choose Kiraitu as your governor,” he stated.

Kiraitu’s remarks seemingly complicated the succession matrix in the upcoming August polls just a month after he had affirmed allegiance to Raila’s Presidential bid and agreeing to seek votes for the former Prime Minister. 

On March 10, 2022, Kiraitu had agreed to set aside his differences with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya in order to work together in the Azimio la Umoja Movement. 

The two politicians joined forces and threw their weight behind the former Prime Minister, urging the Meru County residents to vote for the coalition’s Presidential flag bearer. 

“There are people who are saying that Raila will not get votes in Meru, I want to ask the county residents to raise their hands in solidarity if you will vote for the former Prime Minister.”

“What I can say is that we will debunk the false publications that you see being propagated in the media, come the August elections,” he previously stated. 

The Kenya Kwanza coalition had also tried to woo the Meru governor to join their coalition, urging him to join forces with the county’s senator, Mithika Linturi. 

Kiraitu’s remarks come on the backdrop of politicians trying to pull their weight behind different factions in a bid to secure their interests.

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga during a meeting with stakeholders in the petroleum industry at the Panafric Hotel on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Raila Odinga