That Tuesday’s event at SK Macharia’s Ndakaini home was a strong political assertion is not in doubt. Raila Odinga, the country’s political leviathan made a statement of how far he is willing to go, in his fifth attempt at becoming the country’s next president. Accompanying him were friends and family, plus political allies some dating from the second liberation days, others were new converts of today. The post-handshake era.
From Mt. Kenya, a vote-rich block currently in turmoil and also a host of yesterday’s hap, leaders showed up to buttress the scion of Jaramogi. Some to welcome him in the ever-elusive slice. Governors Mwangi wa Iria (Muranga), James Nyoro (Kiambu), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia), Cabinet Secretary for Devolution Eugene Wamalwa, and a host of other leaders graced the occasion.
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However, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth impressed many Kenyans online, especially those from Central Kenya by his articulation of issues and how of age he has become in the country’s politics. The paying keen attention on PK comes at a time the mountain threatens to erupt and go separate ways due to high octane politics in the region pitting President Uhuru Kenyattas men against those of his rebellious deputy, William Ruto.
”Bottoms up should be about legislation and policies that will be enough and conducive to allow people to thrive. You want to be taught how to fish, not to be given fish. You cannot dish out government money unless if it is not stolen. We can only grow the economy if the environment is conducive and if we expand for business,” the 2013 presidential candidate said in Ndakaini.
Read: Odinga’s Mt Kenya meeting send opponents into panic
Uhuru Kenyatta, current Mt Kenya kingpin is on his last presidential term and leaders from his backyard are jostling for his position as Central Kenya political voice after 2022. Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi, former Kiambu boss William Kabogo, TSP leader Mwangi Kiunjuri, and MP Moses Kuria are some of the names floated around as trying to succeed Uhuru as Mt. Kenya kingpin.
Kenneth, also a former planning assistant minister in Kibaki’s administration is one of the closest allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga from Mt Kenya and has been present in a number of high-level power talks involving 2022, and crafting of a broad-based alliance led by Mr. Odinga and the president. Is the former Gatanga MP up for bigger responsibilities?