Section of GEMA leaders give Raila cold reception after failing to block him from meeting

By Apollo Kamau and Brian Okoth

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday received a cold reception from a section of Mt. Kenya region leaders, who accused the former prime minister of attending a meeting that he shouldn’t have, “given he is not of Mt. Kenya descent”.

The leaders who were opposed to Odinga’s attendance of the Mt Kenya BBI validation meeting held at the Kenya Methodist University (KEMU) main campus in Meru were area Senator Mithika Linturi, Chuka-Igambe Ngombe MP Patrick Munene, among others.

In-house matters

“We are addressing in-house matters, and Raila Odinga is not one of us based on ethnic descent; he is an outsider. We won’t allow him in,” one of the leaders, who was against Odinga’s presence at the event, told K24 Digital.

At the time the anti-Odinga MPs were speaking to us, the veteran politician had already arrived at the university, but was yet to access the meeting venue. That was at 2:28pm.

When the hostility towards Odinga was becoming more and more apparent by the leaders said to be pro-DP William Ruto, area Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina stepped out and went to where Odinga was waiting and walked him into the venue.

After failing to stop Odinga from accessing the meeting venue, Chuka-Igambe Ngombe MP, Patrick Munene, said that he, and those against Odinga, would ensure that the ODM leader won’t be allowed to speak during the meeting.

‘Too strong to overpower’

One of the aides, who arrived with Odinga, told K24 Digital that the anti-Raila group were chasing the wind in their bid to block the four-time presidential hopeful, saying the former prime minister’s political muscle was “too strong for them to overpower”.

“If Raila was sworn in as the people’s president [in January 2018], who are they to stop him?” posed the aide.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega, while addressing the delegates in Kikuyu language, urged the attendees to accommodate everyone who graced the BBI validation meeting, saying “Mt Kenya people are always welcoming”.

Senator Linturi, who was among the first people to address the gathering, said — in his speech — that he hoped Raila’s presence at the meeting would “result in a handshake with the people of Meru”.

“Meru people have so many questions for you [Raila] that are unanswered,” said Linturi.

“One of the many questions is the key one that other Kenyans have. Will you accept defeat should you be floored in the next presidential election? We have no problem with the BBI agenda; we will ensure that all the recommendations are passed,” said Linturi.

Booed

The crowd, consequently, booed Linturi as he went on to address the gathering.

“Limit your speech to the BBI, and avoid other political shenanigans,” a delegate was heard shouting at the senator.

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki — in his speech — asked the delegates and Mt. Kenya leaders to ensure they are united ahead of the next general election.

“Yes, we have the numbers (votes). But, if we cannot organise ourselves, then the numbers mean nothing, politically and economically,” said Njuki.

The governor said the BBI agenda should ensure that most populous counties and regions benefit commensurately from State resources.

“As people of Mt. Kenya, we need to jealously protect our economy. Let us pray that in 2022, we will be on the right political side so that we don’t suffer,” added the county chief.

‘One man, one vote, one shilling’

His remarks were echoed by Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia, who said there is need to establish a Mt. Kenya Regional Development Authority that will steer all development projects undertaken in the region.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga assured Raila Odinga that Mt. Kenya was fully behind President Uhuru Kenyatta, and that the ODM leader stands to benefit if he continues working closely with the Head of State.

“Let no one tell you otherwise, Mr Odinga. Our one and only leader is Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Kahiga.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru echoed Kahiga’s sentiments.

Kiambu Governor James Nyoro said his county is home to at least 2.4 million people with 12 elected leaders, and that, according to him, “Kiambu is supposed to have 18 MPs if the one man, one shilling, one vote recommendation is adopted”.

The meeting continues.