A section of elected leaders from Murang’a County has endorsed former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth to champion unity in the Mount Kenya region as succession politics evolve.
The leaders led by Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata described Kenneth as an experienced leader who can unite and spearhead negotiations in succession politics to ensure the region benefits in the next government.
Speaking while leading a food and non-food item distribution exercise to residents of Kambiti in Murang’a on Saturday, the leaders said the former Gatanga MP has been in national politics for a long time and by virtue of his leadership, the region can be united and speak in one voice during discussions on succession politics.
They observed that Kenneth is a development oriented leader and his character can be accepted by many people from the region.
Kang’ata on his part urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider giving Kenneth a cabinet slot when reshuffling the cabinet.
He said the presence of Kenneth in the government will help the President achieve his development agenda in his remaining time in office.
Kang’ata who is Leader of Majority in the Senate reiterated that the President will soon make changes in the cabinet to have a team which will help him deliver his agenda.
He said government officials who are not supporting the government’s agenda will not be spared in the looming reshuffle.
The Senator observed that the country is headed for a new political dispensation which cannot be achieved if there are some government officials who undermine the spirit of the Handshake and the ruling party’s policies.
Speaking during the same occasion, Gatanga MP Joseph Nduati said Kenneth had agreed to work with the President and assist him achieve his goals.
Nduati observed that Kenneth is well placed to champion for unity in Mount Kenya region as well as make the stand of the region clearly known in the succession politics.
The Gatanga MP reiterated that Kenneth, who served as Gatanga MP for two terms, has a development record that speaks for itself as he was rated one of the best in prudent management of the CDF kitty.
Nduati said it is time for Murang’a to shine politically which he noted will only be achieved if local leaders work together.
The unity, Nduati added, has made it possible for the leaders to lobby for massive development and impact the lives of their constituents positively.
Maragua MP, Mary Waithera who was present argued that Kenneth has a national appeal and is capable of uniting the Mt Kenya region which has been facing sharp divisions among leaders for years.
“Kenneth is a leader who is sellable to any part of the country and has a wealth of experience in development and political matters,” Waithera said, noting that it is now high time for Murang’a to shine in the political arena.
The stand by the trio is bound to make a stir in regional politics with political heavyweights lining up to take over from President Uhuru Kenyatta as the kingpin.
By Bernard Munyao
