Maina Njenga to run for presidency on Mkenya ticket?

By Boniface Gikandi And Wainaina Ndung’u

Former Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga has been named Mkenya Solidarity Movement’s party leader.

Njenga, who has replaced party founder and former Cabinet Minister ‘GG’ Kariuki at the helm of the party, at the same time hinted that he may vie for the presidency in the forthcoming General Election.

The announcement came only hours after GG declared that Mkenya would support Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential bid.

But speaking after opening party offices in Kangema and Kiria-ini township in Murang’a County Njenga denied allegations that Mkenya has opened links with The National Alliance (TNA) or the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

“Just ignore those people because they moved out of the party after realising the youth would not be swayed to back their interests,” said Maina.

The party’s national officials led by chairman Watson Simiyu Wekesa, Said Suleiman Mraja (vice-chairman), Joyce Mwambingu (secretary-general), Peter Njoroge (organising secretary) and John Obok (youth leader) declared Maina the official party leader and disowned GG who has led the party since it was founded.

Wealthy politicians

Maina also signalled his interest in running for the presidency.

“We take a lot of inspiration from people such as Mukaru Ng’ang’a (a two-time presidential aspirant),” said Njenga. “If you run and get a few votes here and there, there is no harm.”

Njenga said that all Kenyans are free to contest for the presidency without intimidation from leaders and he would contest alongside others such as Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and Martha Karua who hail from the Central region.

Speaking at General Ihura Stadium, Maina said the party has a national outlook and would not be belittled by wealthy politicians.

“Those interested in us should be cautious and calculating. Only the man who sacrifices and perseveres succeeds in wooing a woman with many suitors,” said Njenga.