Raila, Njenga campaign in Kangema

By FRANCIS NGIGE and BONIFACE GIKANDI

Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga in campaigning for the Mkenya Solidarity candidate for the Kangema by-election.

Raila received arousing welcome in Kangema town as he campaigned for John Gathogo, who is seeking to replace the late John Michuki.

In what is seen as an attempt to make inroads in central Kenya, believed to be behind Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila asked the region to back his presidential bid.

Raila said just like Uhuru did during a tour of Nyanza that he was ready to work with him if he defeats him and vice-versa.

The PM was also accompanied by Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi, daughter of freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and Rosemary Kariuki, a daughter of former Nyandarua North MP, the late JM Kariuki.

It was during the well-attended rally that Maina hinted he was ready to work with the PM.

Propaganda

And Raila sought to allay fears that he would work against the Kikuyu community once elected, saying that was propaganda being peddled by his enemies.

He reiterated that the next elections would be between reformists and non-reformers.

“When we were fighting for the second liberation there was no difference among people of different communities just as it was during the fight for independence,” said Raila.

“I have said I will be on the ballot box but that does not mean we are not talking with the PM. I know him because he is a national leader,” said Njenga. He added: “What I know is that if he gets the presidency, we have gotten it. If I succeed in getting to State House, he will also be happy for me. We can agree that he serves a five-year term then I serve five years.”

Other leaders who accompanied Raila were former MPs Njenga Mungai and Mark Mwithaga and ODM co-ordinator in Central Province, Peter Kuguru.

Njenga, who is the Mkenya Solidarity Party leader, said having been oppressed by successive governments, the youth are now working with the progressive leaders.

By hosting Raila, he said he expected ‘tribal leaders’ to start talking about it.

“Even Uhuru has been hosting (William) Ruto and Kalonzo (Musyoka), but when I host Raila I will be accused of dividing people,” said Njenga. Njenga also denied that he was behind the 2007 election violence saying he was in jail at that time.

“I’m disturbed by reports that I was given Sh28 million by PNU to cause chaos. You know that I have never worked with PNU,” said Njenga.In his concluding remarks, Raila said he was not to blame for the tribulations facing Uhuru, Ruto and other suspects facing charges at the International Criminal Court.