Azimio leaders in Meru declare willingness to work with Ruto

From left: Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi and Igembe North's Julius Taitumu when they held talks on the elevation of Igembe campus to a Chuka University College. [Courtesy, Standard]

"As DEP(Bus party), we joined the President (Uhuru Kenyatta)'s team when his election was contested at the Supreme Court. We acknowledged that we had made huge mistakes in expecting an 'election miracle' miracle for the former Prime Minister when the ground in Meru had really insisted that they badly wanted a hustlers presidency. Needless to say, the disconnect cost us heavily," Kariithi said.

He said now that the election dust has settled, it is time to forge unity to improve service delivery.

"Elections are way behind us and clearly, we need to strongly support all our leaders to deliver. In Meru, we have joined President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua's efforts in supporting Governor Mwangaza. I have on a few times engaged her on the ongoing differences with the Assembly with a view of enhancing a smoother linkage," he said.

In Tharaka Nithi, former Chuka University VC Prof Erastus Njoka, who vied for the Tharaka Nithi governor's seat on a Jubilee ticket, is also supporting President Ruto's development activities.

"Ruto is our president. The Njuri Ncheke works with the government of the day and there is need to support him 100 percent for development," said Prof Njoka, who is the council's patron.

Political analyst Prof Gitile Naituli said while reestablishing friendships is good, in fact it is a clever thing and they should be encouraged. But shaking hands can also be negative if the idea of shaking hands is to avoid having an opposition. Then that is dangerous, because you need an opposition," said Prof Naituli.