Mt. Kenya region MCAs throw weight behind President Uhuru, demand more inclusion in development agenda

Mt Kenya region MCAs, led by from left, Anita Thumbi (Nominated-Nairobi),Kiruga Thuku (Chinga Ward-Nyeri), Charles Thuo (Dandora) and Lucy Njeri (Nomited-Kirinyaga) among others address a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 09 2019. They commended the ongoing development projects by Jubilee administration.They however, called for fairness and speedy implementation of set inputs in a bid to achieve intended political goals. [David Njaaga,Standard]

MCAs from Mt Kenya region have thrown their weight behind President Uhuru Kenyatta, while distancing themselves from his critics.

The ward representatives said they were fully behind the President’s countrywide development agenda.

The MCAs, who met in Nairobi yesterday, were from Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties.

They were led by Kiruga Thuku from Nyeri. They said Uhuru's development agenda was in line with the Jubilee Party's manifesto.

Mr Thuku said the manifesto stood for uniform development in all parts of the country.

“We wish to congratulate our President and his deputy for the development they are undertaking across the country. We would like to laud them, especially for the road projects they are undertaking in Mt Kenya region,” said Thuku.

The leaders also hit out at the President's critics, telling them to respect the presidency and avoid petty politics that were derailing the development of the nation.

Thuku said it was time all leaders accorded the President and his deputy the respect they deserved.

Nairobi nominated MCA Anne Thumbi also took a swipe at the President’s critics, accusing them of engaging in premature politics with more than three years to the 2022 General Election.

She said some of the leaders had neglected their duties and were instead embroiled in political wars.

“Leaders must stop focusing on politics and first ensure they have accomplished their development promises to the electorate," said Ms Thumbi.

"It is still too early to start engaging in 2022 politics, seeing it’s only one year since we re-elected President Uhuru.”

Julius Macharia, an MCA from Witeithie ward in Kiambu, called for more inclusion of MCAs in the President's development operations.

He said for a long time, MCAs had been sidelined, with the President only engaging MPs and senators.