Duale helps Kiraitu raise more than Sh40 million

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale (left) and Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi at Safari Park Hotel and Casino in Nairobi on June 16, 2017. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale announced a donation of Sh6 million from Deputy President William Ruto, himself and friends.
  • Mr Duale told to Meru leadership that the decision to disband political parties, Kiraitu Murungi’s Alliance Party of Kenya and Mr Duale's United Republican Party included, was "painful" but "necessary".

Ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaign tour of Meru next week, Majority Leader Aden Duale on Friday evening helped Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi raise more than Sh40 million for his gubernatorial campaigns.

Mr Duale announced a donation of Sh6 million from Deputy President William Ruto, himself and friends.

Mr Duale told to Meru leadership that the decision to disband political parties, Mr Murungi’s Alliance Party of Kenya and Mr Duale's United Republican Party included, was painful but necessary to secure President Kenyatta's agenda and legacy.

THREE DAYS

President Kenyatta’s campaign entourage is expected to pitch camp in Meru region for three days starting Friday to Sunday, hot on the heels of opposition Nasa’s tour last week.

Professionals from Meru led by University of Nairobi lecturer Karuti Kanyinga, businessmen and politicians, among them Mt Kenya Foundation deputy chairman and Kenya Leather Council chairman Mr Titus Ibui, lined up to praise Kiraitu as a dependable leader who had managed to unite various communities through his development agenda for  Meru.

Mr Ibui recounted Kiraitu’s support of retired President Kibaki, his leadership of the APK and the Jubilee Party as credentials that placed Mr Kiraitu in good stead to be elected governor.

Prof Kanyinga, who joined other corporate and public sector professionals from Meru to appeal for Mr Kiraitu’s support, urged his kinsmen to invest in visionary leadership.

In his speech, Mr Kiraitu said his choice of Deputy President as chief guest for his fundraiser was deliberate because he wanted to send a message that Meru will support Mr Ruto’s bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.

“We could have invited other people but we wanted to send a message that we support his 2022 presidential ambitions. Even if my own brother decides to run, I will tell him no, it is Mr Ruto’s turn,” Mr Kiraitu said.

Mr Kiraitu will face with Peter Munya, the current Meru governor.