By Munene Kamau

Narc-Kenya chairperson Martha Karua has announced she will defend her Gichugu parliamentary seat and run for presidency in the 2012 General Election.

Karua told a congregation at Ngariama Anglican Church in her constituency the Constitution allowed one to vie for the top office as well as the constituency seat.

"You remember the case of the House Speaker Kenneth Marende. Upon being elected Speaker, he had to relinquish his parliamentary seat resulting to a by-election. The same will apply in my case," she said.

Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua

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Others eyeing the parliamentary seat include Gaching’a wa Richard, Peter Ndegwa and Dr Jackan Gutu and were among the congregation she addressed.

"My three brothers who have declared interest in my Gichugu seat should ready themselves for battle come 2012," she told them.

Respect voters’ verdict

Speaking in mother tongue, Karua challenged Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta too, to prepare for the battle.

"Let us meet at the ballot box with my brother Uhuru and whatever decision Kenyans will make through the power of their votes I will respect it," Karua said, "but no one should try to cow or intimidate me for the sake of someone else."

But Nairobi Metropolitan Development Minister Njeru Githae, who was present during the church fundraiser, told Karua no single political party could capture the presidency.

"Let Karua not cheat her parents, friends and Kenyans that she can single-handedly, through her Narc-Kenya party, bag the presidency in 2012," he said.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari said he was disappointed that all the four MPs from the county could not sit on one table and discuss issues affecting residents.

Launches bid

"I am looking forward to the day I will see Githae, Karua, myself and Peter Gitau (Mwea) sitting together and working for the good of our people," he told the cheering crowd.

Karua made the remarks barely a week after she launched her presidential bid with a pledge to resettle IDPs, and improve food security and education standards.

She also promised to work for better health care and living conditions for Kenyans.