Petkay Miriti picks another running mate for Tharaka Nithi governor race

Tharaka-Nithi gubernatorial aspirant Petkay Miriti (left) with his new running mate Abraham Maruta at Gatunga on February 26, 2017. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Tharaka-Nithi gubernatorial aspirant Mr Petkay Miriti has named another running mate after the one he had chosen earlier teamed up with his rival.

Mr Nyamu Kagwima decamped from Mr Miriti’s team and is expected to be named Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki's running mate.

On Monday, Mr Miriti unveiled Mr Abraham Maruta from Tharaka North. Mr Maruta has been working with Caritas, a Catholic Church development organisation.

He said he was ready to soldier on with the new appointee and is convinced that he will win the highly contested seat in the August 8 elections.

The former assistant minister for Trade said he is ready to battle it out with Mr Njuki for the Jubilee ticket in the party nominations.

“I have served community for 20 years and I am convinced that people will give me a chance to serve them in the new capacity,” said Mr Maruta.

Mr Kagwima said he was approached by Mr Njuki who requested they team up in the race for governorship.

“Mr Njuki has approached me and I am sure he will be unveiling me as his running mate soon,” said Mr Kagwima.

The two aspirants are from Chuka/Igambang’ombe constituency and are seeking to unseat Governor Samuel Ragwa, who is from Maara constituency.