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He is the only Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parliamentary aspirant in Nyeri County, which is a Jubilee stronghold.
Chris Kiruta, a strong supporter of Raila Odinga’s ODM and the National Super Alliance (Nasa) has resorted to door-to-door campaigns to sell his agenda to residents. He is a common figure in Wairuta shopping centre in Mathira Constituency, where he spends time selling his ideas in readiness for the August 8 elections.
The jovial politician is unperturbed by the uphill task he has of selling his candidature on a Nasa ticket.
“I know that I am a lone ranger, but my race is about democracy. I have every right to vie on a party of my choice, just like any other Kenyan,” the gospel musician and electrical contractor told The Nairobian.
Kiruta is up against current MP Peter Weru, billionaire businesswoman Wambura wa Maranga, Jubilee candidate Rigathi Gachagua, Nancy Wanjiku Murage of Democratic Party, Narc-Kenya’s Peter Warutere Thinwa and independent contenders Phenansio Thuku and Naftali Wanjohi.
“I am not afraid to be in the opposition. People are more open-minded in the villages than they used to be in 2007. The constitution gives me the freedom to express my political beliefs without fear of intimidation,” explains Kiruta who also vied in the 2007 elections on a Kanu ticket which was then an unpopular party there.
Kiruta who records gospels songs in Kikuyu, Luhya and Kiswahili, lost in 2007 and did not contest in 2013.
“This year, I am confident of making it because people are more open to my ideas,” he told The Nairobian.
The constituency is littered with campaign posters, banners, and branded vehicles mounted with loud speakers blaring aspirants’ theme songs, but Kiruta has nothing to announce his candidature.
“I don’t have posters, banners, T-shirts or vehicles branded with ODM or Nasa colours because I did not want to have them vandalised. This is what happened during the Jubilee Party primaries,” he said.
He says that, “I am just being tactical. I want to release my materials strategically close to the elections”, says Kiruta. He is a loyal Raila and Nasa supporter despite the challenges.
“I think Mr Odinga will change this country for the better. If only my fellow villagers can give him a chance,” he adds.
While his competition is campaigning using fuel guzzlers, Kiruta does his on foot and explains that, “My car broke down, so now I am relying on public transport to get from one area to the next. However, I know I can make it. This is about pushing for democracy and a different voice for Mathira residents, not how much money I have.”
And while most locals look on as he tries to convince them of his agenda for the constituency, most remain non-committal to his bid.
Muthee Ngatia, a local resident said he had no problem with Kiruta vying on an ODM ticket because every Kenyan has a right to join any political party of their choice.
“Political parties are like churches, wherever you go in this country, you will find different churches and denominations. It is up to you to pick the one you want to join,” Ngatia pointed out, adding that what matters is whether the leaders can deliver on their development agenda.
“We want change and development that will benefit us. It does not matter what party they come from.”
In 2013, ODM presidential candidate Raila garnered 5,638 votes in Nyeri County, while Uhuru Kenyatta got close to 320,000. Nyeri has 461,434 registered voters
