Clerics in Thika are backing Bishop David Kariuki Ngari alias Gakuyo in the Thika parliamentary race ahead of 2022.
The clergymen under the Covenant Clergy Alliance said it was time for religious leaders to seek elective posts in the fights against the ills bedeviling society.
Gakuyo is the general overseer of Calvary Chosen Centre Church in Thika.
He has announced his candidacy and is expected to battle it out with former Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a.
Other aspirants who have declared interest to unseat current MP Patrick Wainaina alias Jungle are Juma Hemedi and Nduati Njuguna.
Wainaina will vie for Kiambu gubernatorial seat.
The clergy spoke during a thanksgiving service at Calvary Chosen Centre Church.
They said Thika will be in safe hands should residents elect Gakuyo.
The ceremony was held to celebrate the resumption of Ekeza Sacco, which was founded by Gakuyo alongside its sister firm Gakuyo Real Estate.
The savings and credit Sacco had more than 30,000 members and a net worth of over Sh3 billion before it was put under receivership in 2019.
“We have been lamenting poor leadership after every five years. We are going to change this political narrative by supporting a leader. It’s our role to ensure our region doesn’t go astray because of politicians,” Simon Mbatia, a pastor said.
The clerics said they will rally their followers to support one of their own.
“We will spread the gospel that the Church must lead our people from the front through representation at elective offices,” Rev Peter Mburu said.
Gakuyo said he offered his candidacy after realizing the poor leadership Thika has had for years.
He said all those elected parliamentarians come from other regions.
“They are from Gatundu South, Juja, Ruiru and Githunguri. The current MP comes from Gatundu North. It’s high time Thika residents elect one of their own who will best represent their interests,” he said.
Kiambu Governor James Nyoro graced the ceremony.
He urged Thika residents to make wise decisions at the ballot by electing God-fearing and development-oriented leaders.
Nyoro said he will be supporting Gakuyo to clinch the Thika seat.
The race is however set to intensify as new entrants are expected to join.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
