A section of leaders from Mt Kenya have reiterated their commitment to push for the region's unity ahead of elections.
The leaders who congregated at Kinyona Catholic Church in Kigumo, Murang’a on Sunday said it is through unity that the region will be able to push for its interests.
Kieni MP Kanini Kega said that the leaders' main priority is to have fair representation and distribution of resources.
Kanini said presidential aspirants seeking the support of the region should package their campaigns to ensuring the region receives the resources that it deserves.
The MP said they are not interested in positions but in securing the welfare of the region.
He said it was in line with this that leaders organised a meeting in Embu to forge unity and discuss the future of the region.
Kanini said the meeting was, however, postponed to ensure all leaders who expressed interest in attending were incorporated, adding that it will be re-convened soon.
“We will shelve our interests for positions to ensure we push for a fair share of resources. Once we get that, we will be comfortable,” he said.
He emphasised that though the region seems fragmented, it has always spoken in one voice and that next year will be no different.
Kanini said the presence of three party leaders, including Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Martha Karua (Narc Kenya) and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) in one event was a rare occasion that should remind locals of their need to stand together during the elections.
“These leaders are here to remind us that if we are careful, others will plan for us,” he said.
Karua reiterated the need for political parties from the region not to fold, saying the country has made major strides since multipartism was introduced.
She noted that political leaders do not have to be in the same parties to work together citing the union of the President and his deputy when they were first voted in 2013.
“The President came from TNA and his deputy URP and they were able to work together and win. Having one party is a no. We can’t go back there,” she said.
She said political parties approached her to have her party merged with others in 2017 but she declined.
The politician who has been at the forefront of championing for the unity of the region together with The Service Party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri said their demands are not selfish and are things needed by all Kenyans.
“If we ask for security or fair distribution of resources, these are things that would benefit all other regions,” she said.
Murang’a woman representative Sabina Chege hailed Karua for her efforts to unite the region and her zeal to lead.
“She is one of the women who were confident enough to vie in the earlier days and we respect her for that,” Chege said.
Kiambu MP Jude Jomo said they want presidential aspirants seeking the region’s support to negotiate with political parties.
The parties, he said, can create a formidable coalition that will enable them to negotiate.
Jomo said Kenyans need a President who will prudently use public resources and manage the agriculture sector.
“Most people in this region are farmers and want to be assured that the agriculture sector will be well managed. They also want a leader who will create an enabling business environment,” he said.
“When they come, let us listen to them all before making a decision,” he added.
Other leaders present in the church event were Gatundu North MP Wanjiku Wa Kibe and Public Service and Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Beatrice Elachi.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
