Karua says party will not step aside for TNA

By NAFTALI MAKORI and KENAN MIRUKA

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua continued her presidential campaign tour of counties in Gusii land, maintaining that her party will not be cowed into folding up in favour of The National Alliance (TNA).

Speaking in Ogembo town in Bomachoge constituency on Thursday, Ms Karua took a swipe at some central Kenya leaders whom she accused of behaving as though the region belonged to a particular party.

The Gichugu legislator said such leaders failed to understand the meaning of multi-party democracy that allowed Kenyans freedom to belong to any party of their choice.

“It is a shame that some leaders think certain regions of the country belong to particular parties. We are in an era of multi-partyism where parties are like shops. In business, you can’t close your shop so that your brother’s can prosper. Such dictatorship where people are forced to join parties is untenable,” she argued.

Karua, who was flanked by deputy party leader Augustine Lotodo, local aspirants Fontina Obare (women representative) and Lukas Ondieki (governor), warned Kenyans against electing leaders with corrupt backgrounds.

She described the vice as a cancer that had affected the nation to the core.

“Corruption denies citizens their rights. If you continue electing the same corrupt individuals because of their money, we shall be doomed. We need a leader to end corruption once and for all and I am that kind of leader,” she said.

She cited the rising food prices and insecurity in the country, which she attributed to corrupt dealings within Government.

“Both President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have failed to end corruption. Both sides of the coalition have been riddled with scams and so neither of them can promise Kenyans a better future,” added Karua.

She addressed roadside rallies in South Mugirango and Bobasi constituencies and asked Kenyans not to elect individuals with cases pending at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Also while addressing a rally in Nyamira County, Karua urged Kenyans to reject political leaders with tainted integrity.

She was referring to the ICC suspects — Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North legislator William Ruto.

Karua warned Kenyans that voting for them for presidency would affect the image of the country and impede ongoing institutional reforms.

Speaking at various stops in Nyamira County, Karua said the duo should respect the rule of law and drop their presidential ambitions.

“As Kenyans we should vet all aspirants and raise the par of integrity as provided for by Chapter Six of the Constitution,” argued Karua. She explained her integrity was unquestionably clean and thus deserved to be elected as the fourth president.