• Opposition leaders and DP William Ruto have invested heavily in boardroom talks
• It is believed Uhuru's departure will create a vacuum in Central, with no strong contender ready to succeed him
Image: File
Opposition leaders and Deputy President William Ruto have pitched tent in Murang’a to win support in their bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
It is understood that Murang’a wants to inherit the Mt Kenya’s leadership mantle ahead of the 2022 polls after supporting Kiambu and Nyeri in previous elections.
Kiambu has produced President Uhuru and his father Jomo Kenyatta, while former President Kibaki was from Nyeri.
"Every region has a right to put their demands on the table, but right now they have tasted [the presidency] and should let other regions lead. For us in the Rift Valley we have our candidate," Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri told the Star on the phone.
Nasa leaders Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka, as well as Deputy President William Ruto have presided over significant events in the public, while behind the scenes they are have invested heavily in boardroom talks to lobby for their candidature.
It is believed Uhuru's exit will leave a leadership vacuum in three million vote-rich Mt Kenya. The leaders want to capitalise on this vacuum.
Ruto, Raila and Musalia have met the clergy, politicians and business leaders from the community, which voted as a bloc in 2007, 2013 and 2017.
“The effects of tribalism are destructive and it is important for Kenyans to remove artificial barriers and become one indivisible nation,” Kalonzo said. He was speaking during a fundraiser at ACK Giachuki in Kariara ward two weeks ago.
It was the first time in about seven years that the former vice president had attended a public function in Central.
Image: PSCU
Ruto, Raila, Musalia and Kalonzo have not missed a high-profile event in Murang’a since mid-last year. They have also made a number of visits to Nyeri. Kiambu, Nyeri and Murang’a remain the most vibrant and influential counties in Mt Kenya. The other counties are Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Kirinyaga.
“The gods of luck are with us [Murang’a]. We want peace, unity and our businesses to grow. We are also looking for a person who will protect our girls when they leave Murang’a,” Kenya Industrial Estate director Waithira Muitharania said.
She ran for Murang’a Woman Representative in 2017 and came in second.
“Now that Uhuru is likely to leave a leadership vacuum when he exits, it is time for Murang’a to take advantage but who will be the leader?” an MP's aide said.
Murang’a has failed to produce a leader with regional and national appeal, despite being at the heart of Mt Kenya politics. Former Opposition leader Kenneth Matiba and Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth lost when they ran for president in 1991 and 2013.
In 2010, then Environment minister John Michuki endorsed Uhuru for President in Murang’a.
“Any politician who may be interested in harvesting the Kikuyu votes in 2012 must consult Uhuru, the chosen community leader,” Michuki said.
Pundits and allies say many factors will influence the endorsement of Uhuru’s heir.
“First, the political establishment [those who have had access to power since Independence] want one of their own. However, other people [the self-made and the masses] also want a person they can trust and who can help them access power directly,” an insider said.
“This will help them protect their business and political interests.”
Among the people being considered is Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Peter Kenneth and former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau. But some insiders feel they do not have what it takes.
Former Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe, whose wife is from Murang’a, has also been brought into the equation. Uhuru's close allies believe he is the right person to protect their interests.
Last week in Murang'a, Ruto criticised Raila as someone who cannot be trusted. He was speaking at St Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Murang’a during the requiem mass for Senator Irungu Kang’ata’s mother.
Ruto has donated generously in harambees compared to his rivals. Musalia has also been in the region a number of times to hold meetings with Uhuru and Kibaki's allies.
When Kalonzo was hosted by Gatanga constituency MP Nduati Ngugi, the former vice president mended fences between the Kamba and the Kikuyu. He said the era of animosity ended with the political handshake.
“It is important for Kenyans to remove our artificial barriers and become one nation,” Kalonzo said.
On February 28 Raila was in the same area to bid farewell to the late Mzee Thayu Kabugi.