Embu Kenya Kwanza leaders want Muturi as Ruto's running mate

Embu Kenya Kwanza leaders want Speaker Justin Muturi to be Deputy President William Ruto's running mate in the August general election.

Two weeks ago, Muturi joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

The Kenya Kwanza leaders spoke on Friday while attending an Iftar dinner at the Dallas mosque in Embu town.

Led by nominated MP and Embu gubernatorial aspirant Cecily Mbarire, they said Muturi has the ability to initiate development in the country.

Mbarire said Muturi made the perfect step to join Kenya Kwanza coalition adding that she is confident the coalition will form the next government.

“I urge Ruto to consider appointing Muturi to deputise him,” she said.

Manyatta UDA caucus leader and MP aspirant Gitonga Mukunji said Muturi’s appointment will boost the county's negotiation power.

He said Embu has been marginalised despite taking place in government formation in the past.

“We (people of Embu) will not accept to be used to fill the votes basket. We want to have negotiations power so that we can have a say at the table,” Mukunji said.

Mbeti North MCA Peter Murithi said Muturi is well experienced and good to represent Mt Kenya region and Kenya at large as the deputy president.

Former Embu deputy speaker and Kirimari MCA aspirant Ibrahim Swaleh said Mt Kenya will not take less than the deputy president position in Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Muturi who was present said his decision to join the Kenya Kwanza coalition was a sure way to attain development for the people.

He said he is at the Kenya Kwanza coalition to stay and the coalition will form the next government.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)