Uhuru, Karua face off in race for Juja

By Wairimu Kamande and Peter Orengo

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Narc-Kenya Chairperson Martha Karua campaigned for their preferred candidates for the Juja parliamentary seat.

In his campaigns, Uhuru urged the Kikuyu to unite before forming any alliance with other communities.

"We cannot talk of uniting with others before we are united ourselves," he said, alluding to preparations for the 2012 General Election.

He said this while campaigning for immediate former MP George Thuo in Ruiru after a fundraising at St Andrews Catholic Church, Gitothua.

Kikuyu MP Lewis Nguyai and his Mukurwe-ini counterpart Kabando wa Kabando were also at the weekend function.

Uhuru accused some Central leaders of being selfish and declining calls to unite, saying they have opted to go on their own and created their own parties at the expense of the community’s welfare.

He said the community has suffered immensely, including violence, due to lack of unity.

But speaking a few kilometres away, Ms Karua stood her ground, saying she would vie for the presidency in 2012.

Karua, who spoke during a campaign trail in Ruiru for the party’s candidate William Kabogo, said she had set her mind to go for the top seat.

"In the Constitution everyone is allowed to go for any political seat. Those who want to occupy any seat should do so," she said.

Karua said as a party leader, she represents the interest of all Kenyans regardless of where they come from and she won’t be forced to back anyone.