Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, a staunch supporter of Uhuru who has, however, been closely associated with Mudavadi, described the Gatundu South MP as an “honest politician.”
“I believe this is one honest politician we have in this country. He is very consistent in what he does and his statement does not surprise me,” said Kioni.
He said having shelved his presidential ambition in 2007 when he supported Kibaki, it would not be surprising if he did the same thing in the coming elections.
Tough battles
Kioni, however, added another twist to the story saying although Uhuru was a principled politician “some hangers-on are always putting him under pressure.”
“Without the sycophantic attitude of some of his followers, Uhuru is capable of making proper decisions for the interest of the country. He is a very sober politician,” said the outspoken MP. Kioni claimed that some politicians who are facing tough battles in their backyards were clinging onto Uhuru to ensure their own political survival.
“They want to push him to run for the presidency so that they can ride on his popularity to win their seats. This is why they are busy pushing for their agenda,” said the MP.
But his spokesman Munyori Buku said the statement should not be construed to mean that Uhuru was out of the presidential race.
“What he said is nothing new. He has stated on several occasions that he is ready to work with like-minded leaders and participate in a joint nominations,’’ added Buku.
He has said if another leader was nominated in freely and fairly, Uhuru was ready to support that leader. And in the same breath he expects other leaders to support him if he wins the ticket, said Buku.
Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi also dismissed the notion that Uhuru was preparing to drop his bid for presidenct, arguing contrary to the perception created by his statement last Saturday, plans have been finalised to roll out his presidential machine as the elections near.
