Raila's Mt Kenya campaign team takes shape

ODM leader Raila Odinga's Mt Kenya allies are lining up regional campaign teams to help him win votes in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s backyard.

The Star has established that a team of influential figures has been assembled to lead the campaign, as Raila schemes with Kenyatta to edge out Deputy President William Ruto out of the region, where he has made inroads. 

The yet-to-be-unveiled team has been conducting strategy meetings on how to market the ODM chief in the perceived hostile region. 

Save for businessmen, headed by Royal Media Services chairman SK Macharia, the political team is made up of governors Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), James Nyoro (Kiambu) and Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia).

MPs in the team include National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya (Kipipiri), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa), Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Maina Kamanda (nominated), Ruth Mwaniki (Kigumo), Mary Wamaua (Maragua) and Joseph Nduati (Gatanga).

Kioni on Monday said there are several teams ready to campaign for Raila in the region.

In a phone interview with the Star, the chairman of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee in the National Assembly dismissed as a fallacy, claims that Raila is unsellable in Central.

“That is propaganda that is being used by the people vying against him. We have used it before because we had a candidate vying against him. Unfortunately, the people who are using it now do not come from Mt Kenya,” Kioni said.

“We have decided that Raila is our best bet to take over from the President and we know what to do. Just watch the space,” he said.

Some of the Uhuru allies among them Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town) Sabina Chege (Murang’a MP), Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu senator), Jude Njomo (Kiambu MP), Wanjiku Kibe (Gatundu North), Muturi Kigano (Kangema), Ephraim Maina (Nyeri senator), Njeru Ndwiga (Embu senator) are opposed to Ruto but have opted to be fence-sitters in the Uhuru succession politics.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga, Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Martin Wambora (Embu) and Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) have not been committal on their 2022 plans.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been blowing hot and cold in her support for Raila. Speaking on Spice FM on Monday, Waiguru said she cannot rule out working with Ruto in the 2022 election.

The governor, however, said it is too early to say whether or not she could join UDA.

Jubilee vice chairman David Murathe and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth are among Mt Kenya leaders who have been supporting Raila. However, they have maintained a low profile in the last few weeks.

On Saturday, while in the company of Raila, Governor Nyoro said there was no turning back in their support for the ODM leader.

Speaking in Githunguri during a birthday ceremony graced by Raila, Nyoro said the region should be part of the next government.

“When we decide, there is no turning back. I have been preaching that Mt Kenya votes should go one place, if we do not do that, our votes will go elsewhere and Baba (Raila) will not be in government and we will regret it.

"The people of Mt Kenya should not be left out. Leadership is heading to Baba and we should not be left out,” Nyoro told the gathering.