But MPs allied to TNA, including assistant ministers Kareke Mbiuki, Cecily Mbarire and Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi hit out at Mr Kiraitu, claiming he was afraid that APK would lose support when Uhuru launches TNA in Meru and Embu. Assistant minister Mwangi Kiunjuri, who is also the GNU leader warned that the squabbles are being championed and exaggerated by opportunists keen to ride on Uhuru’s popularity to win their respective seats.
He said this was likely to derail the common agenda of ensuring that the DPM has solid support from his backyard as he seeks the presidency. “This is the time we should be preaching unity, we are supposed to be thinking of how we can work together towards our common goal on a platform of mutual respect because we are all aware of the consequences of not uniting,” said Mr Kiunjuri.
The Laikipia East MP castigated certain politicians in TNA who he accused of lacking respect for other parties and constantly attacking their leaders. “We know these people who are shouting the loudest without seeking the opinion of others are neither speaking for Uhuru nor TNA, they are only masqueraders and the earlier they realise they are drilling a hole in a boat they are also travelling in, the better,” he said.
The assistant minister said it is that the DPM is advocating for a coalition of all parties that support his candidature, a mission he said is now being frustrated by few people in his party.
“The logic is very simple, it is either we play the ball together as a united team or we perish together and wait to warm the opposition benches. The danger is that we have less than three months to put our house in order,” said the GNU leader. Tigania East MP Peter Munya says it is upon Uhuru to know how to navigate through the challenges of the differences in political parties or risk losing a section of the larger bloc.
“The danger is if he will be seen to lean towards one group, supporters of the other camp may consider otherwise, which could hurt his bid,” said the assistant minister.
