New twist as PNU rallies behind Governor Munya

Party for National Unity (PNU) has dispelled reports by a section of Jubilee legislators that it would wind up and join the yet-to-be-launched Jubilee Party.

The party’s Secretary General John Okwemwa termed the reports as outlandish, adding that they are being propagated by political leaders out to create disharmony and divisions within the party.

“It is not arguable that PNU is the party that brought us the new Constitution despite several fruitless attempts. Those who think the party is dead are daydreaming,” he said.

Okwemwa hinted at the possibly of allowing Meru Governor Peter Munya to run for his governorship reelection on a PNU ticket, despite utterances by some leaders to the contrary.

“Governor Munya’s reelection ticket is safe with me and in 2022 we will endorse him for the presidential seat.”

Munya, in his address, said he is prepared to continue with development projects initiated by former President Mwai Kibaki, accusing Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi of orchestrating schemes to frustrate his push for the presidency in 2022.

Munya has been on the forefront in opposing the merging of Jubilee affiliate parties ahead of the 2017 elections saying doing so would only work to the advantage of Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential aspirations.

The governor, who has expressed interest in running for the presidential seat in 2022, has however vowed to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection bid in 2017 despite not being a member of Jubilee.

His political future however faces stern opposition from Kiraitu who is also interested in racing him for the Meru governor seat in 2017.

Kibaki’s nephew and former assistant minister, Nderitu Mureithi, had early this year also rubbished the possibility of dissolving the party as suggested by the Jubilee hierarchy.

A National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in March resolved to maintain the party’s independence but still support President Kenyatta’s 2017 reelection bid

Kiraitu was among the political leaders from the region who dismissed Munya’s defection from APK to PNU saying the move was suicidal to his political career.

The statement by PNU Secretary General may appear strategic coming just days after the debate on the position of PNU in Jubilee surfaced.

It would however move to change political outplay in Meru as it may prove reassuring to Munya’s supporters who have for months been in the dark over the governor’s reelection vehicle.

Jubilee has moved to merge its affiliate parties in a bid to solidify its support in the county and put a united front devoid of tribal outfits, according to Deputy President William Ruto.

The DP has said one party would be stronger than a coalition and assure an easy win for the party.

Last week, the new party’s interim officials Kiraitu Murungi and Noah Wekesa presented the party’s constitution to President Kenyatta and DP Ruto laying grounds for its official launch slated for September.

Additional information by Martin Mwenda