Ruto is currently campaigning for UDA in Laikipia and Nyeri
UDA candidates in a contest
The Mountain Journal
With months left until the general election, swords are drawn in Laikipia County with three candidates eying for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
The candidates are former Governor Joshua Irungu, Laikipia West MP Patrick Mariru, Miriam Mwangi of Laikipia County Assembly and Wahome Koinange are working day and night associating themselves with Deputy President William Ruto who is the bonafide leader with the party.
On Sunday, the candidates seeking to dislodge Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi were preparing to welcome Ruto in Laikipia county after he concluded his tour of Nyeri county.
Ndiritu is associated with ODM Leader Raila Odinga and who is eying for presidency to compete with Ruto.
Alice Kamau says the UDA candidates should come to a conclusion to support one of them as if they proceed to the nomination they will be unable to unseat Muriithi.
“The earlier the better as Muriithi has campaign resources to crisscross the county as the UDA candidates will have exhausted their bank accounts and little they got from friends and relatives,” said Ms Kamau, a political scientist.
Other candidates eying the Laikipia slot at Mburu Kamau and businessman John Wakaba.
Former Deputy Governor Gitonga Kabugi is also in the race.
Irungu is Water Resource Service Board (Wasreb) chairman.
Simon Wachiuri said Muriithi is from a political background and it will take time for the aspirants to deal with him.
“ In five years despite challenges of resources, Muriithi has done a lot as compared to the former. Am particularly interested in the transformation of Solio Settlement Scheme in Laikipia East to a habitable place through provision of an irrigation programme of Sh 130 million,” said Wachiuri.
Others in the UDA brigade are Laikipia MP Catherine Waruguru eying for the Laikipia East Parliamentary slot, Senator John Kinyua.
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