MPs throw weight behind new PNU alliance

The new Party of National Unity Alliance has received the backing of MPs from various counties in Central and Eastern provinces.

Seven lawmakers from Murang’a, Embu, Machakos, Nyeri and Meru counties also exuded confidence that the alliance would clinch the presidency during next year’s General Election.

They said they were ready for a joint nomination that would see the selection of one candidate to face it off with Prime Minister Raila Odinga of ODM. (READ: Uhuru allies sign unity pact to fight Raila’s ODM in 2012 poll)

Behind the winner

MPs Emilio Kathuri (Manyatta), Alex Mburi (Tharaka), Elias Mbau (Maragua) and Kiharu’s Muturi Mwangi promised to rally behind the winner of the nominations.

Others who supported the alliance were Maina Kamau (Kandara), Daniel Muoki (Mwala) and Kieni’s Nemesyus Warugongo.

Mr Muoki warned that should the region fail to agree on fielding a sole candidate, it was likely to lose to ODM.

The leaders were attending a funds drive at Kangui Secondary School in Kandara.

Elsewhere, Tigania West MP Kilemi Mwiria criticised allegations that the entire region would join the alliance.

The Higher Education assistant minister said it was wrong for a group of individuals to seek to chart the community’s destiny without consultations.

“Meru has not sat and decided on which party to support,” he said. Meanwhile, the alliance has been defended against accusations that it is tribal.

The party’s officials from Murang’a said there was nothing wrong with the party having a regional stronghold.

They attacked critics of the union saying they were afraid of its popularity.