Gichugu looking forward to elect Karua successor

By Francis Ngige

After a 20-year grip on Gichugu, Martha Karua’s name has become synonymous with the constituency.

Having romped home in a landslide victory in the first multi-party election in 1992, Ms Karua rose to become one of the most influential ministers in government.

For two decades, the constituency in Kirinyaga has not known any other MP with Karua facing little challenge in her quest to keep the seat.

But with Karua now keen on the presidency, Gichugu has been abuzz with excitement that the constituency may after all have another MP.

Multiple interviews with Gichugu constituents indicate that many are waiting with bated breath to elect a new MP in the polls set for March next year.

Yesterday, Anthony Ndegwa from Kabare said he was expecting a development conscious leader to replace Karua.

“We can’t wait to have another MP. Some of the people who were born in 1990s have not know another MP apart from Karua,” said Ndegwa.

He claimed that one of Karua’s major undoing was concentrating too much on national politics and ignoring the constituency issues.

Another resident, John Kanyuttu, said the prestige of MPs has been overshadowed by the new seats in the devolved system.

“I don’t think that there would be much hype in the parliamentary contest as the eyes would be on the governor and senate seats,” said Kanyuttu.

Those who have shown interest in the seat include Njogu Barua and Karua’s closest rival during the 2007 General Election, Dr Jackan Gutu.

Recently, Karua welcomed those seeking the Gichugu seat to go ahead and seek votes from the people.

“I’m telling those who want to run for my seat to prepare for a fierce battle should the law allow me to vie for both parliamentary and presidential seats,” she told the aspirants at a church function.

Karua has insisted she is firmly in the presidential race and there was no turning back.

“Those from Kirinyaga County who keep nagging me to drop my presidential ambitions in favour of other aspirants from Mt Kenya region should stop wasting time and come to face me head on instead of fronting for others,” she said.

Her critics, however, feel she should have gone for either the governor or Senator’s seat since she is aggressive and dynamic.

But Karua says once she makes her decision, she never retracts, “since I have no reverse gear and once I aim at something, I must get it”.

“Even when I resigned from the Government over the rampant corruption in the Grand Coalition many pleaded with me not to but I have my resolve,” she said