Gatobu supporters decamp to Munya's team

Party of National Unity (PNU) Secretary General John Anunda (left) and Meru Governor Peter Munya's running mate Peter Kaberia (right) at a press conference on August 4,2017. The two PNU officials welcomed Buuri Constituency MP Gatobu Kinoti supporters, after he stepped down from the Meru gubernatorial race on Friday. Photo Peter Muthomi

Hundreds of people claiming to be supporters of Buuri MP Kinoti Gatobu Friday decamped to Governor Peter Munya’s corner.

The supporters, who were mostly youth and women, congregated at Gatimene Gardens in Meru town and were received by PNU secretary general John Anunda, his deputy Peter Kaberia and other party leaders.

Their spokesperson Joyce Karambu said they had been forced to join the Munya team after they were “abandoned” by their preferred candidate for governor.

Mr Gatobu dropped his bid for the governorship to back Senator Kiraitu Murungi of Jubilee.  Gatobu was prevailed upon by President Uhuru Kenyatta to back the Jubilee candidate.