Waiguru, Karua kick off campaigns for Kirinyaga top seat

It was a show of might as Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru kicked off their campaigns as the battle for Kirinyaga governorship intensified.

The two candidates who have been cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest for the seat, moved from one constituency to another over the weekend in convoys wooing voters to vote for them.

Accompanied by their running mates, the politicians were cheered by big crowds as they made triumphant entries into various market centres.

Each candidate claimed to be the best to transform the region into an economic hub.

Ms Waiguru told the residents that the region required a youthful leader, like her, for it to grow economically.

"I'm youthful and strong enough to work to make the region a better place to live in. I will reform the agriculture and health sectors within the shortest period possible if elected," she said.

The former CS argued that agriculture was the main stay of the residents and it should be urgently given a boost.

"Without good farming, we are doomed," she said adding that she was capable of doing wonders in the agriculture sector.

And Ms Karua promised to slay the dragon of corruption and improve roads which she noted were in a pathetic state.

Ms Karua said corruption retarded development of the region and it should be eradicated at whatever cost.

"I will embark on fighting corruption so that our region can grow," Ms Karua said in Kutus town.

"I will ensure that roads are improved to all weather status for the benefit of the residents," said Ms Karua and appealed to the voters to turn out in large numbers in August 8 and elect her.

The incumbent, Joseph Ndathi who will be defending his seat as an independent candidate and the Maendeleo Chap Chap flag-bearer Mr Macharia Karani are expected to start their campaigns on Sunday.