Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader, Alfred Mutua has challenged political leaders drawn from upper Eastern region to shelve national politics and redirect their efforts towards addressing economic issues affecting the local people and especially the marketing of Miraa and tea.
Mutua who addressed a forum of Democratic Party leaders at a Meru hotel Friday morning warned that over indulgence in power politics by leaders in Mt Kenya region could expose residents to poverty.
“I urge all Upper Eastern leaders to hold a meeting to discuss their economic welfare and how to increase money in the pockets of Wananchi,” Dr. Mutua said.
“Wananchi will not be fed or clothed with Kieleweke, Tangatanga or similar empty political rhetoric and divisions. You need to put aside political leanings and sit down for a sober meeting to sort out the Miraa market issue facing the region.”
Mutua cited the dwindling fortunes in Miraa farming, falling prices of tea and coffee as some of the greatest economic challenges facing residents of Mt Kenya region.
“Having worked with retired President, Mwai Kibaki who founded the Democratic party, I am convinced that the party’s philosophy still recognizes the need to empower households economically,” said Mutua.
The Machakos Governor is on a four-day people listening tour of Mt Kenya region where he is holding consultative sessions with residents in a bid to understand the challenges facing them.
This approach, he said, will help him craft a people-centered manifesto with practical solutions for every part of Kenya, as part of his bid for the 2022 Presidential seat.
Mutua, who has declared he will contest for the Presidency in the 2022 general election said he was ready to work with DP and other like minded parties to become Kenya’s fifth head of State when President Uhuru Kenyatta retires.
