Mt Kenya East legislators take on governors as scramble for JAP hots up

EMBU: Mwariama Council of Elders, led by their chairman Njagi Kumantha, have warned that since Kivuti and Kindiki are emerging as top stewards for JAP in Mt Kenya East region, their endorsement of any aspirant could predetermine the JAP primaries.

“Endorsing Mbarire and any other individual is not doing service to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto’s bid for re-election.

It will end up discouraging potential candidates who feel they stand no chance and stifle the party’s growth in the region,” said Dr Kumantha.

Embu Governor Martin Wambora, Ragwa and Munya skipped the Mt Kenya East political caucus meeting that endorsed JAP in Nkubu, Meru County, earlier this month.

In Murang’a, Governor Mwangi wa Iria is engaged in a battle of wits with Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau. Speaking to The Standard On Sunday, Kamau said he was concentrating on serving the Kigumo people “but will make a decision when the right time comes.”

“We are working on ensuring JAP becomes the party of choice,” said Kamau.
Wa Iria, on his part insists he would not be distracted by early campaigns, saying he was in charge of JAP affairs in the county.

“I’m in charge of JAP activities in Murang’a and we have set the ball rolling by ensuring all the youth acquire identity cards,” said the governor.

In Kiambu, Governor William Kabogo has been forced to backpedal in several policy matters after a formidable challenge by Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu.

Kabogo’s government has recently lowered market charges that had provoked uproar and reversed a policy that had barred approval of development plans in untitled land. Kabogo, through political adviser Kang’ethe Nungari, has dismissed Waititu as akin to a maize stalks blaze – quick to pick up and spread but die off quicker than it started. Waititu brags that he has the support of at least 10 of Kiambu’s 13 MPs.

SECOND TERM

In Kirinyaga, Governor Joseph Ndathi has also been engaged in altercation with Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, who says he has consulted widely and has been given the nod to vie for governor.

“I have what it takes to be the next holder of this position... I am simply the best,’’ he said.
But Ndathi says he is not afraid of competition.

“My Curriculum Vitae speaks for itself. The voters are only waiting to endorse my second term come the General Election,’’ Ndathi said.

Over in Laikipia, former assistant minister Mwangi Kiunjuri, the chairman of the Athi Water Services Board who lost to Governor Joshua Irungu, is believed to be plotting another bid.

But Kiunjuri chose to remain non-committal, saying: “I’m currently concentrating on my businesses... I will, however, continue to give back to the society who honoured me with three consecutive terms as Laikipia East MP.”

In Nyeri, Governor Nderitu Gachagua has faced opposition from local leaders as he attempts to claim a stake in JAP affairs.

Gachagua has been at loggerheads with local MPs over his style of leadership, with the legislators accusing him of working without consulting them.

Although those interested in the seat have not come out in the open to declare their candidature, those being mentioned as eyeing the seat include National Oil Corporation chairman Daniel Wamahiu, prominent Nyeri businessman Kinyanjui Githinji, former Vision 2030 director Dr Wahome Gakuru among others.