Major boost for PM’s Murang’a visit

Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s planned visit to Murang’a received a major boost after 29 mayors and council chairmen from Central and Rift Valley provinces endorsed it.

Addressing journalists at a Naivasha hotel on Wednesday, they said as a leader of the government, the PM had a right to visit any part of the country. The councillors said they would support visits geared towards addressing development issues in the region, adding that they were only opposed to political bickering and divisive politics.

And in Thika, a cross section of leaders from various parts of Central Province also supported Mr Odinga’s planned visit to Murang’a.

Led by Thika ODM coordinator Ng’ang’a Wanjukira and Gatanga PNU official Patrick Karangu, the leaders said the PM’s visit offers a chance for the region’s people to present their development agenda to the government.

Former Juja MP Stephen Ndicho also criticised those opposed to the visit, saying they are “living in a gone political era”.

Hidden agenda

The PM’s scheduled visit to Kigumo District on February 28 has sparked controversy, with a section of leaders from the area saying it is meant to undermine Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta in his home turf.

Area MP Jamleck Kamau and a number of councillors have opposed the PM’s tour, claiming it had a hidden political agenda. Some even suggested that the visit be cancelled. Speaking on behalf of the group, Nyeri county council chairman Wachira Keen wondered why the visit was causing a stir. He said that “as a national leader, Mr Odinga has a right to visit any part of the country”.

In Naivasha, the councillors called upon Mr Odinga to work with the local leaders while touring the region, saying they also needed recognition. They urged leaders from Central Kenya to speak with one voice and help foster development activities instead of championing individual interests.

The politicians from Thika, Kiambu and the larger Murang’a district dismissed the anti-Raila group as naïve and driven by petty tribal politics. Said Mr Wanjukira: “Raila has a proven track record as a man of action, who has solved various problems affecting the country and his visit to the region is a blessing for the residents.”

Organisers of a harambee for internally displaced persons said they would meet Mr Odinga next week to finalise the plans. Councilors Sammy Ngang’a from Molo and George Kamau from Kiambaa said plans for the funds drive were at an advanced stage.