By John Majau
Presidential hopeful Martha Karua has criticised an attempt by some MPs to push the General Election to August next year, saying it is a sign of greed for power.
Karua called on Kenyans to reject the idea, adding the Constitution was clear on the election date.
Karua spoke at Makutano shopping centre in Imenti North District where she opened Narc-Kenya offices before heading to Nkubu in Imenti South District.
She later addressed rallies in Nkubu, Chogoria, Chuka and Marimanti in Tharaka Nithi County.
The Gichugu MP urged Kenyans to reject the move to extend the term of the current Parliament because it was “unconstitutional, full of ill motives and hidden agenda.”
“I’m surprised the two principals in the Coalition Government deliberately failed to support a December date yet they knew very well elections should be done after every five year-term and not otherwise,” she said.
Karua regretted that a few leaders, who she accused of exhibiting selfishness and greed close to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, want to mislead them to illegally extend their terms.
“Kenyans have maintained the five-year term cycle since independence and it will be against the spirit and pledges made during the promulgation of the new Constitution to change the date in to suit certain interests,” said the Gichugu MP.
She maintained she would not take her pay after December when the term of the current Parliament officially expires because it was unconstitutional.
Karua expressed confidence she would win elections. “I’m urging the voters to put us all on a weighing scale and carefully analyse our history and character before deciding on the best choice,” she said.