by Munene Kamau

Former Justice Minister Martha Karua has welcomed recently released Steadman poll, which ranked her fourth among potential presidential candidates.

Ms Karua termed the poll results an indication her popularity would ascend as 2012 draws closer.

The Gichugu MP said: "I welcome the Steadman poll verdict, and assure my supporters I would attain the first position, and certainly capture the presidency, come 2012."

Speaking at Kianyaga Catholic Church at the weekend, Karua hit out at her detractors who criticised her when she declared intentions to vie for the presidency.

"My critics claimed I engaged in early campaigns, yet most of them have already declared similar interests," she said.

The MP said there was nothing wrong in putting people on notice while setting on a long journey.

President Kibaki

At the same time, Karua accused church leaders of hypocrisy in conducting their business.

Referring to last week’s drama where she refused to wave to a congregation at a funeral attended by President Kibaki, the Gichugu MP said a Master of Ceremonies merely asked her to stand and wave to the mourners, "as if I did not deserve to convey my personal condolences to the bereaved family".

Karua said she was not bothered when the MC at the Kerugoya Anglican Cathedral declined to allow her a chance to speak during the burial ceremony of former commissioner with the disbanded Electoral Commission of Kenya, the late Habel Nyamu.

Treat politicians

"I attended the burial service to condole the bereaved family, but the MC did not seem to understand since President Kibaki was present," she noted.

She said church leaders should treat politicians as they do when they need them for fundraising.