Uhuru, Karua on final call for Kirinyaga by-election

By Moses Njagih
Political heavyweights from Central Kenya made a last-minute dash to win votes for their party candidates as the campaigns for Kirinyaga
Central by-election came to a close.
PNU dispatched Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and three other ministers to the constituency, while Narc-Kenya leader, Martha
Karua, pitched tent as the race for the seat appeared to boil down to a two-horse-race.
Uhuru’s camp that brought together Cabinet ministers Kiraitu Murungi, Njeru Githae, Beth Mugo and four MPs campaigned for party candidate Joseph Gitari. Ms Karua, accompanied by Juja MP, William Kabogo, rooted for Daniel Karaba.

PNU candidate for Kirinyaga Central by-election Joseph Gitari wound up his campaigns at Kerugoya Stadium, yesterday. Photo: George Mulala/Standard

And as the campaigns came to the close ahead of Wednesday’s by-election, the polls gave the best forum for a political battle between Uhuru and Karua who are entangled in a contest for regional supremacy.
The two leaders were spearheading their respective teams in the campaigns PNU has declared would be the measure of their preparedness for the 2012 General Election.
The quest for political leadership in the region dominated the campaigns, with Karua saying her declaration to contest the presidency in the next General Election should not send her opponents to a shiver.
"Instead of starting to panic, let them declare their interest in the presidency so we face off in the ballot, and I can promise you I will floor them," said Karua at Kerugoya bus terminus where she held the last rally.
But Uhuru said he would not tire to invite Karua to form an alliance so the region can hold a nomination to select the best candidate for the presidency.
"I have always said that I have nothing against my sister, if she joins us and beats the rest of us in nominations, I can even offer to carry her bag in campaigns for the top seat in next years elections," said Uhuru.
The political divisions in the region came under criticism with Kiraitu warning that it risked costing the region political power.
Could not agree"These same divisions are what made the region remain in the political cold for more than 10 years since Kibaki and Matiba (Kenneth) could not agree on one candidate from the region. We kept dividing our votes and that is the same route that we are now headed," said Kiraitu.
The Energy minister said the divisions among the political leadership was placing the region to shame, warning that unless those who are interested in the presidency unite, the region would be left in the cold.
He said the next elections would be a contest between PNU and ODM.
"You will either be with us or with ODM,’ he said.
Uhuru said he would continue calling for regional unity even though his efforts have been considered tribal.
"Charity begins at home and we cannot reach out to other regions if as a family we are divided. We will not stop this even if we are labelled
tribalists. We must find our unity," he added.
Karua questioned the use of Government resources in the campaign, saying such funds would have been better spent on development.
"The money these ministers are using to fuel their choppers and Government vehicles can be used to tarmac the roads they are saying they will make when their candidate is elected," said the Gichugu MP.
Others who are contesting the parliamentary seat are Henry Mwaniki (DP), Samuel Kagoiyo (Ford-Kenya) Beth Wambura (KNC), Duncan Mwai (PPK) and Peter Ngare (SDP).
The seat fell vacant on October 22, last year, after a successful petition in court by the Narc-Kenya candidate.
Mr Karaba had gone to court asking that he be declared the winner of the election in 2007, since the Returning Officer had mistakenly declared the loser as the winner.
Karaba had won the election by 17,270 votes against John Ngata Kariuki’s 17268. However, Ngata was declared winner and sworn in to represent the constituency.