Also suffering humiliation is Njenga, a former Mungiki leader who was initially seen as a threat to Uhuru’s dominance of central Kenya politics.
Njenga, who was campaigning for Mkenya Solidarity candidate John Gathogo in Kangema, even enlisted the support of Raila but his candidate faired badly.
It was expected there would be a revolt vote against Michuki, whose family backed Uhuru’s candidate, because Mungiki adherents accuse him of orchestrating their killings while he served as Internal Security minister. This did not however materialise as Gathogo got a paltry 400 votes.
Supporters of Uhuru said the results affirm that voters from central Kenya know who their most credible leader is and will, at all costs, reject the balkanisation of the community in line with the many parties competing for supremacy.
“This is a clear statement Uhuru continues to enjoy massive support in central Kenya,” declared Nairobi Metropolitan Minister, Jamleck Kamau, on Wednesday. He added: “The results indicate that the region has chosen to solely remain behind Uhuru and it is a clear message to those doubting his strength.”
The minister and Nyeri politician Simon Mathenge said results were “a clear affirmation that voters from central Kenya know who their most credible leader is and the political direction that the region is headed.”
Ngahu, on his part, expressed joy following the victory saying Kangema people had set the tone for the region by choosing TNA as the party of choice. “It is for us now to make the party strong and ensure that Uhuru’s presidential campaign is on track. He is respected in the region and nationally,” said the MP-elect.
Big boost
Former Foreign Secretary Joseph Ndathi, who is eyeing the Kirinyaga Governor’s seat, said the by-election was a big boost to Uhuru’s image in the regional and national politics.
Ndathi, however, said that TNA should ensure free and fair nominations and ensure nobody interferes with nomination of party candidates.
“The people of Kirinyaga, for example, are determined to change leadership through TNA and nobody should try to interfere with nominations. TNA should allow the people a free choice,” argued Ndathi.
Ol-Kalou MP Erastus Mureithi said the outcome of the polls was a blessing for Uhuru as it demonstrated his ability to consolidate the central Kenya vote. “His support is becoming euphoric and I don’t think anyone opposed to him in the region would succeed politically. It is either you toe the line or you are thrown into political oblivion,” said Mureithi.
