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MP dismisses talk of Kiunjuri as Uhuru’s Mt Kenya successor

Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu who has told off Mt Kenya lawmakers who are fronting Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri as the regional kingpin after President Uhuru Kenyatta leaves office. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  Siago Cece

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The MP described the Kenyatta succession debate as premature.
  • Mr Wambugu said that Mr Kenyatta will continue to be the region’s leader after 2022.
  • Some Mt Kenya leaders are rooting for a “Limuru III Conference” to settle on an undisputed successor.

Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has told off Mt Kenya lawmakers who are fronting Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri as the regional kingpin after President Uhuru Kenyatta leaves office.

While describing the Kenyatta succession debate as premature, Mr Wambugu said there is no leadership gap to be filled and that Mr Kenyatta will continue to be the region’s leader after 2022.

“Even after leaving the presidency, he is not going to automatically stop being the leader of the region. Assuming Uhuru will stop being the Kikuyu leader after leaving the presidency is a bit naive,” said Mr Wambugu Sunday at Ruring’u Stadium.

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POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR

With the clock ticking towards the end of the Kenyatta presidency, some leaders from the region have been fronting CS Kiunjuri as his possible successor.

Others are rooting for a “Limuru III Conference” to settle on an undisputed successor and set the political agenda for the region.

Last week, MPs Kabinga Wathayu (Mwea), Munene Wambugu (Kirinyaga Central), Zachary Thuku (Kinangop), Catherine Waruguru (Laikipia woman rep) and Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West), and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua drummed up support for the Mr Kiunjuri, describing him as a seasoned leader capable of uniting the region.

VIBRANT PERSON

While insisting that Mr Kiunjuri is the rightful heir of the position of regional supremo, the politicians said Mt Kenya needs a vibrant person who will articulate the region’s issues and fight for the people’s rights.

“The CS is an experienced leader so he should be appointed as the region’s spokesman. We want him to lead us and tell us the political direction to take,” said Mr Thuku.

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