Two MPs disown Uhuru in Kibaki succession plot

By Boniface Gikandi

Two central Kenya MPs have criticised Environment Minister John Michuki for propping up Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

On Sunday, Mr Michuki drummed up support for Uhuru to succeed President Kibaki as the leader of central Kenya.

Yesterday, Maragua MP Elias Mbau and his Kiharu counterpart Muturi Mwangi, both from Murang’a County, accused Michuki of undermining integrity of central Kenya voters.

They said Michuki had not convened any meeting where Uhuru was proposed as the community’s successor of President Kibaki.

Mr Mbau, speaking from Sri Lanka, said central Kenya voters know their way and would not be manipulated by any politician.

He said Uhuru had lost touch with the grassroots after he allegedly neglected those seeking a regional leader.

"After the 2007 General Election, Uhuru lost touch with leaders from the region leaving us like orphans without anybody to turn to," said Mbau.

Mr Mwangi also downplayed Michuki’s opinion, saying the people have a right to decide on their own.

"Uhuru should earn the mandate to lead instead of being pushed around like a project," he said.

But Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau said Michuki’s sentiments should be respected. "Michuki is an elder whom we cannot just ignore," he said.

While endorsing Uhuru as the leader of the Kikuyu, Michuki warned politicians from Central they risked being disciplined politically should they invite colleagues to seek votes without consulting Uhuru.