Jubilee and UDA fever in Murang’a leave politicians nursing headache

Boniface Gikandi June 24, 2021 • 7:46 AM

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Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria party ready to host them

By The Mountain Journal

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto will face a challenge in the coming general elections as their allies battle it out in the governor race.

The two political nemesis will have a hard time choosing who will fly their party flags in the hotly contested race.

In President Uhuru's camp, former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, considered to be a close ally of the head of state is expected to kick off his campaigns for a second shot at the big seat.

Kamau vied for governor in 2017 challenging current governor Mwangi wa Iria.

The former Nairobi Metropolitan Cabinet Minister in the Mwai Kibaki regime then opted out of the race after the courts ruled that there were massive irregularities in the Jubilee party nominations.

Kamau now branded Simba wa Murang’a is currently serving as the Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA) Chairman after being appointed by Kenyatta three years ago.

In Ruto's camp, Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata is said to be warming up to the idea of going for the governor seat.

The vocal senator has been running medical camps in the county, a move that recently led to massive fallout with Governor Iria administration.

County Health Executive Joseph Mbai banned the medical camps saying the facilitator failed to comply with the laid down rules and procedures.

Murang's county MP Sabina Chege has already declared her interest to vie for governor and guessing on the political party to nominate her.

Chege switched from Ruto camp three years ago during a function at Kimorori grounds at Kenol, following ideological and political differences and now focus on which political party she will settle in

Water Principal Secretary Joseph Wairagu has also kicked off grassroot campaigns and is also trying to reach several political parties for sponsorship in the 2022 general election.

The PS has however rubbed off government officials in the wrong way and is said to have fallen out with top government officials for starting campaigns before stepping down.

Wairagu is expected to resign from his docket by September to avoid pressure from the ministry to step aside and focus on campaigns.

Others interested in the governor seat include Dr Moses Mwangi who is already preparing to launch his campaigns at a later date at Mumbi grounds in Murang’a town.

Chairman of Tea Sector Lobby Irungu Nyakera is also working through networks to clinch the governor’s slot.