Bishop Margaret Wanjiru to run for Nairobi governorship in 2017

Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has declared interest in running for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2017 General Election.

Speaking in Mumias on Saturday, Wanjiru accused Governor Evans Kidero of allegedly using proceeds of corruption allegedly acquired during his tenure as Mumias Sugar Managing Director to influence Nairobi politics.

“Dr Kidero came to Nairobi after I had built Orange Democratic Movement, an affiliate of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), and dismantled everything to gain entry.”

“The county is suffering under the leadership of Kidero and it is time to enforce changes in the leadership. I would wish to announce that I will be contesting for the governorship position in the next elections.”

Wanjiru called for the Luhya community to join hands and support one candidate in the 2017 elections.

“Luhyas should unite and work as one community. Men should let go of their egos and support a single candidate the way we did while in Parliament and enabled Marende to become speaker.”

Speaking at the same event, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali defended his pro-Jubilee stand by saying that he joined the government following a deal signed by the then UDF leader Musalia Mudavadi.

Washiali voiced his support for Jubilee Party saying it will be an inclusive party bringing together UDF, TNA, URP and other parties.

“You have two options, to either support Uhuru or Raila. Musalia Mudavadi is not an option in the forthcoming elections,” stated the MP amid jeers from the crowd.

Elizabeth Ongoro said she is not sure who will be the winner of the Nairobi governor seat but she is confident it will be retained by CORD.

Ongoro further warned Jubilee against “forcing” political parties to dissolve in favour of one party saying the system is unconstitutional and has vivid resemblance to the KANU regime.

“As the national chair of political parties’ liaison committee, nobody should use their position or offices to force political parties to wind up.

“If you want to join a coalition you can do so by inviting other parties but not forcing them to wind up. We are not going to allow individuals in positions of power to take us back to the KANU regime of one-party system.”

Calls for Luhya unity were also echoed by Cyrus Jirongo who asked CORD leader Raila Odinga to support a leader from the Luhya community for the presidency come 2017.

“I have voted for Raila twice, this time he should accept to vote for whoever we will propose as a presidential candidate as the Luhya community,” said Jirongo.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli cautioned Luhya leaders against moving to Jubilee saying the plans they are making with Ruto are null and void.

In a hard-hitting remark targeting Luhya leaders who recently met DP Ruto at his home in Sugoi, Atwoli said any deals between the community and the Jubilee Party should be made directly with the president and not through his deputy.

He called on the Luhya community to unite and speak with one voice ahead of the 2017 elections.

By @benjaminwafula