Meru county executives bow out of parliamentary race

Some Meru county executives have bowed out of the race for parliamentary seats in favour of "stronger" aspirants.

Those who have withdrawn are water executive Mary Mwiti, who was to vie for the Meru woman representative's seat, and agriculture executive Jenaro Gatangugi, who was interested in the senatorial seat.

Finance executive Jacob Kirera is also said to have bowed out of the race for the Buuri parliamentary seat and will now support Mugambi Angaine.

The officials had earlier announced they would be vying for elective seats through the Party of National Unity (PNU).

On Thursday, PNU leader Peter Munya said their decision to drop out of the race was made after consultations with supporters.

“We agreed that Mrs Mwiti will retain her county job as an executive in favour of Kawira Mwangaza, who will be the PNU flag-bearer in the race for the woman rep seat,” Mr Munya said in Matabithi in Tigania East where he opened a new dispensary.

“We also talked to Mr Gatangugi and he agreed to support lawyer Mugambi Imanyara,” Mr Munya said.

'KIKALI' TEAM

The Meru governor asked Mr Imanyara to discuss with George Kathendu, another PNU senatorial aspirant, about who among themselves is fit to vie using party.

But Mr Kathendu said he was ready to fight it out with Mr Imanyara in the nomination.

The decision to have "strong" aspirants vie through PNU is informed by realignments that continue shaping Kenya's political future in the run-up to the August 8 elections.

Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi is campaigning to become governor as the incumbent plans to retain it.

Senator Murungi has teamed up with the outspoken Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, who will be vying for the senatorial seat, and Woman Representative Florence Kajuju, who will be seeking re-election using the Jubilee Party.

The three form the “Kikali” team, which has the support of the majority of MPs.