Mama Ngina Kenyatta has appealed to the Mt Kenya region to back the ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency as directed by her son President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking at a burial of her cousin in Gatundu South, Kiambu county, on Tuesday, Mama Ngina said the President means well for the community and there is no way he can lead them into a ditch.
She said Uhuru is committed to the future of the region and wants the best for them hence his decision to pick his desired successor.
“Let us love each other, this is our country, let us drive things forward. Let us know where we are going, there is no way your leader can mislead you. Let me tell you, you must know that the person who is sitting under a tree is the one who knows what the insects around there are eating," Mama Ngina said at the burial of Nelly Wanjiku Kabangi who she said is her cousin.
Mama Ngina also weighed in on the relationship between Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto.
She said the two were working well until the DP abdicated his duties and focused on his presidential ambitions.
"He (Uhuru) didn’t have a problem (with Ruto), but if your deputy shows you disrespect, would you really stick there? You will move on," she added.
She went on to call for peace during polls and asked leaders to tone down on attacking each other.
Mama Ngina noted that the rising cases of abuse among leaders raise eyebrows on their upbringing.
She urged Kenyans to stick to good morals and resist leaders who are abusive.
“If you were not brought up being taught how to abuse others when growing up at home, even when you go to the public, you cannot be able to abuse others. So let me tell those who are going round abusing others, we will leave them alone if that is how they were taught to be abusive when they were growing up.”
This is the first time in many years Mama Ngina is coming out publicly to speak on political matters affecting the country.
Her son's endorsement of Raila for the top seat has elicited a huge controversy in the Mt Kenya region with leaders allied to Ruto opposing the move.
The Ruto allies have deemed the move as a plan to maintain the status quo and have three powerful Kenyan families rule the country for years.
Mama Ngina, however, stated the move seeks to leave the country in 'safe' hands.
