He said although TNA was just months old, it had boosted its image by bagging two seats and four of 15 civic seats. Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki said the win should send a clear message to other parties that were still fighting for political space in the region with TNA.
“TNA is the party of choice and anyone who is preaching anything else is not going anywhere. The region should remain in one party for it to be respected nationally,” said Kareke.
He said the region should learn from the bitter lesson of 2007 when it was fragmented in different political parties and made a bad show nationally in terms of parliamentary seats secured.
Mwea MP Peter Gitau said there was no doubt Uhuru was the candidate to beat in the region having consolidated his support with the by-election wins.
“There has been no contention as to who is the undisputed leader of the region. Uhuru should now move to unite all the other politicians,” said Gitau.
But as politicians allied to TNA devoured the victory, a reason for Uhuru to worry is the rising popularity of UDF candidate Musalia Mudavadi’s UDF, which came second in Kangema. The party has gone full throttle in recruitment drive in the region and although it is viewed as one of Uhuru’s friendly parties, it has been involved in direct competition with TNA.
Laikipia West MPs Nderitu Muriithi and Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni spearhead UDF onslaught in Kangema. During the by-election, Muriithi accused TNA of intimidation to win the seat.
