Karua opposes ‘tribal lobbying’ in Central

By Wainaina Ndung’u

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua said on Sunday she will reject ‘ethnic’ lobbying to consolidate the central Kenya vote.

The presidential aspirant said while she did not oppose alliance-building talks among various political players, she did not see any reason why they should take a tribal dimension.

“We only hear of this when the elections are taking place yet the loudest promoters consistently ignore your suffering at your hour of need,” said Karua during a two-day campaign tour of Nyeri County.

The Gichugu MP took a swipe at promoters of most proposed alliances, saying they had questionable credentials in democratisation, having been in Kanu most of the 1980s and 1990s during the clamour for multi-partyism.

Under one umbrella

Ms Karua also said those proposing that Central and Mt Kenya be under one political umbrella were preaching outdated politics.

“I notice there are many mitumba (second-hand) shoe sellers and money transfer shops here, yet no one is being asked to close their stands to make way for the other,” Karua told a crowd at Chaka market in Kieni constituency.

Karua also cautioned against electing leaders who could take the country into another continuity odyssey.

She said the country had failed to develop fast because massive public resources continue to be squandered by the establishment forces through corruption.

Stalled projects

Karua claimed graft had killed President Kibaki’s noble projects such as the Free Primary Education (FPE), stalling the process only after three years and it was now characterised by “numerous unaffordable levies on parents”.

The Gichugu MP said her government would ensure a genuine FPE and free secondary education.

Karua promised better employment terms for teachers and police officers who she said were underpaid and not equipped for difficult jobs.

She said checking graft would avail enough resources for those projects.