Kiraitu Murungi considers Meru to be Jubilee Party stronghold
What you need to know:
- Mr Murungi said attending political rallies in large numbers does not necessarily translate to votes.
- The legislator urged hopefuls to join JP and that nominations will be done in a fair manner.
Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi has rubbished claims that Jubilee Party is losing popularity in the region in favour of the Opposition outfit National Supper Alliance (Nasa).
Senator Murungi said despite the opposition chiefs pulling large crowds during their tour last week, the region is pro-Jubilee.
Addressing journalists at Nkubu in Meru, Mr Murungi said attending political rallies in large numbers does not necessarily translate to votes.
"We are in government to stay and opposition political waves will never divide Meru people," he said.
Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi and his Tigania East counterpart Mpuru Aburi, Jubilee Party members, had raised concerns about Nasa gaining clout in the area.
Mr Aburi pleaded with President Uhuru Kenyatta to visit the county immediately to campaign.
Nasa comprises ODM, which is led by Raila Odinga, ANC (Musalia Mudavadi), Ford-Kenya (Moses Wetang'ula) and Wiper Democratic Movement that is headed by Kalonzo Musyoka.
Mr Murungi admitted that the national government had not fulfilled all its promises, pointing the finger at government bureaucracy.
Nevertheless, he told locals that the teething problems are being addressed.
"We understand many projects have not been completed but we are working on them. We will ensure [that] when the president visits the county this year all the projects will be done," Mr Murungi said.
The senator also shrugged off accusations that JP is buying out Party of National Unity members to weaken it.
He said all Kenyans have the right to join whichever party they desire.
He also denied claims that Meru Woman representative Florence Kajuju - who is seeking re-election on a JP ticket - is being favoured over businesswoman Faith Kawira Mwangaza.
Meru Governor Peter Munya will be defending his seat on a PNU ticket. He is being rivalled by the senator and a new entrant, Buuri MP Kinoti Gatobu.
The legislator further urged hopefuls to join JP because it can accommodate everyone; and that nominations will be done in a fair manner.
