Turn out and vote, Mt Kenya residents told

An MP allied to the ruling Jubilee Party has urged residents of Mt Kenya region to come out in large numbers and vote on August 9.

Lari MP Jonah Mburu dismissed a rumour going round that 30 per cent of registered voters might not participate in the general election. He says the rumour is being spread by people who are not ready for the polls. 

The lawmaker, who is the Jubilee parliamentary candidate, said the residents have been misunderstood. 

"Most of our people were torn between which political affiliation to follow and which one not to follow. As of now, a majority are following the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance, since they are supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta's party," he said.

Mburu, however, said there is ongoing mobilisation of residents to participate in the election to ensure at least 99 per cent of registered voters cast their votes.

"We have campaign teams which we are using to walk from house to house ensuring we have spoken with everybody within the shortest time," the Lari MP said.

Mburu spoke in Kimende town on Monday during his campaigns, only three days after Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga's running mate Martha Karua campaigned in the region.

The legislator urged residents to re-elect him for a second term.

"Before a new comer understands the standing orders, how to lobby ministries and other government officials and agents, the constituencies which sent back their MPs continue with their development work," he said.

On Friday, Karua urged the residents of Kimende to elect Jubilee MPs and senators since they would be supporting Azimio government in Parliament.

She urged the residents to assist one another to get in the polling stations and vote for Raila.

(edited by Amol Awuor)