A section of youth from Kiambu County have dismissed claims that there would be a power vacuum in central Kenya once president Uhuru Kenyatta vacates office after the expiry of his second term.
They cautioned politicians hoping to take advantage of the presumed power vacuum in the region to get easy votes during the coming polls that they would in for rude shock arguing the locals was never short of leaders who could take the mantle to shepherd the region to the next political dispensation.
They insisted that the region was not short of leaders to take over from President Kenyatta and it was time residents were given the freedom and space to make their choices on their preferred leaders.
Speaking while endorsing Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria for the country’s top seat in Thika town, the youth said those who have been camping in the region expecting their votes in 2022 should think twice because the region was not up for grabs.
Wa Iria is the only leader from the region to announce his presidential bid on a Civic Renewal Party (CRP) ticket.
CRP’s James Mwangi, Githurai women leader Wambui Wa Githurai and hawkers’ representative Edwin Kairu said Wa iria was a true son of the region and his development record showed he was best placed to succeed President Kenyatta and to continue with his legacy.
“We don’t have a vacuum in Mt Kenya region. We have enough leaders in the region who can succeed President Kenyatta. We also hope that the President will not endorse anyone as we are not ready to be dictated on whom to support,” said Wambui.
Mwangi said the fact that President Uhuru Kenyatta comes from the region does not disqualify Wa Iria from going for the top seat.
“The ballot paper does not carry the name of a tribe, but that of an individual candidate. So no one should dictate to us that a Kikuyu cannot succeed President Kenyatta, ” said Mwangi.
On the issue of Sharing of Revenue Allocation, the youth leaders warned politicians who are opposed to the one man one vote one-shilling formula should forget the support of the Central Kenya region in the next general election.
They told other leaders from the region to back Wa Iria as their flagbearer after Uhuru’s exit as he has emerged as a fighter of the people.
“We ask other politicians from this bloc to join Governor Wa Iria and form a united front. Our people should disregard a clique being fronted to decide who to elect President.
By Muoki Charles
