Meru Deputy governor declares interest in MP's seat

Meru Deputy Governor Raphael Muriungi has declared that he will vie for Igembe South Parliamentary seat in 2017, a move that is seen to be as result of major political realignments in the county.

Speaking at Kanthiari Dispensary in Igembe South during a cancer screening program, Mr Muriungi however said he will back the re-election of Governor Peter Munya.

Mr Muriungi who served as Igembe South MP from 2003 to 2007 said he had made up his mind on going back to the National Assembly.

“There are people out there who are tarnishing the name of the Meru governor. I am an ardent supporter of Mr Munya because his development record is clear. I will support him for the long haul but I will be vying for MP in Igembe South,” Mr Muriungi said.

Mr Munya and Mr Muriungi who hail from the Nyambene region won the Meru governorship under the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) following the party’s arrangement that the Imenti’s retain the senate seat.

However, the decision by Senator Kiraitu Murungi that he would contest against Mr Munya in 2017 is likely to force the governor to pick a running mate from Mr Murungi’s backyard.

Mr Murungi and a section of MPs have been vocal in campaigning against Mr Munya’s re-election accusing him of locking the legislators out of the county's development agenda.

Several MPs have backed Mr Murungi to take over from Mr Munya saying the former would fast track development in the county.

The fallout between the Senator and the governor has left the two leaders pulling in different directions over the need for region’s politicians to join the Jubilee party.