Mount Kenya leaders are holding meetings to unite the electoral bloc

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria speaks to the press outside his office after distributing free disinfectant. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Politicians in the Mt. Kenya area hold meetings in their respective backyards to increase their chances of succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta.

With an estimated six million voters in the mountainous region, politicians have held strategy meetings with their allies over the past two weeks and made new friends to help cement the electorate ahead of next year’s general election.

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria met with delegations from Kiambu, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Laikipia counties last week to promote his equality for all parties. Iria has expressed an interest in running for president next year.

And a week ago, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi set up camp at Njeru AKC’s Kenyan Church in Kangema, Murang’a, calling for unity in the region amid political transition.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka toured parts of Ithanga in Gatanga on Sunday when a camp allied with businessman Jimmy Wanjigi held town hall meetings in Murang’a and neighboring counties.

Peter Karugu, a youth leader from Nyandarua, said her meeting with Governor Iria focused on politics, development and emerging issues ahead of next year’s elections.

“Our main agenda has been to popularize the Usawa Kwa Wote party in Kiambu and Nyandarua, where candidates for next year’s elections have shown interest,” Karugu said, adding that politicians from outside the region have sent envoys to come out strong to look for political pillars.

Iria founded the party three years ago and recruitment is ongoing.

Martha Njeri, a leader from Laikipia, said they plan to hold the party in the Mt. Kenya area and beyond.

The governor said he had met with political leaders from the western, coastal and eastern regions. He said he was trying to transform the land through similar agricultural projects in Murang’a. The projects include added value in milk and avocado cultivation.

“This country needs a leader who can promote agriculture and ensure food security by expanding existing irrigation projects and providing drought-resistant crops,” said Iria.

Murang’a was a center of interest three weeks ago when the leaders of the Kikuyu Elders’ Council and Kiama Kima met in the Mumbi compound to condemn Muturi’s appointment as Gema spokesman a month ago.

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