Former Tigania West MP Kilemi Mwiria’s has been endorsed by his family and clan members to run for the parliamentary seat.
Kilemi served as an MP for two consecutive terms before he unsuccessfully vied for the Meru governor seat in 2013 and 2017.
Kilemi’s wife, Sarah Kilemi, a key pillar in his political journey, hailed him as a good planner who has always stood firm with great ideologies for her people.
"I recall when my husband went to exile after President Daniel Moi harassed him. His solace was the family. He asked me for support to vie for MP. I agreed. I will always be there for him,” Sarah said.
Kilemi’s mother Jennifer said she was impressed by her's son desire to accomplish more development projects in the constituency.
“I invited Tigania people to bless my son. We had a mass and we have allowed him to go ahead with campaigns. He is brilliant and we value his firm stand against selfish and corrupt leaders. I humbly ask Tigania people to vote him again,” Jenifer said.
On his part, Kilemi said the people pleaded with him to vie for the seat and continue with the exemplary work.
“We started here in 2002 and 20 years after I am [still] here. I want to appeal to Tigania West People to vote for me to continue with the developments from where I left in my two terms," Kilemi said.
"I am confident we will win if you become my ambassadors. I did several developments, including lobbying for Karumo Technical Institute and Meru University.”
He further said that residents should shun politics of handouts and embrace transformative leadership.
“Many say we love Kilemi but his problem is he is stingy. This is not a qualification for one to be a leader. All contenders are former MPs and are powerful," he said.
"Some say I am too low going for MP instead of governor. The politics has turned tribal and I was left with Senate and MP seat. I found out that the only seat where my people will benefit more is when I vie for MP."
"Most of the people who I educated have offered to sponsor my campaigns this election. Not that they want anything but demand good leadership in Tigania.”
Kilemi drummed up support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying Deputy President William Ruto’s camp is corrupt.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
