Mt Kenya governors to unveil new vehicle for backing Raila

• Dec 5, 2021

Mt Kenya governors backing the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga plan to unveil a new vehicle for backing Raila for presidency next year. 

Kiambu governor James Nyoro and his counterparts Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru) and Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia) unveiled a political dream team on Saturday.

The leaders said they are looking to bring in more leaders from across the country.

"We are looking and reaching out to like-minded political actors, political parties because we are interested in the transformation of Kenya and looking at 2022 and beyond," the leaders said.

"We are bringing in all of those who have interest of not just the Central Kenya region but all over the country. We want to form a formidable force," they said.

The leaders said the Party of National Unity (PNU) and Ubuntu Peoples Forum (UPF) are in talks to build a coalition ahead of the 2022 elections.

Governor Nyoro revealed that the leaders are also in talks of a merger with ODM.

Raila is expected to declare his Presidential candidature on December 10 at Kasarani stadium.

Raila and his biggest competitor Deputy President William Ruto are traversing the country hunting for votes, laying major emphasis on Mt Kenya that is home to close to six million votes. 

The two are likely to name their running mates from the region as part of the bargain in the 2022 power-sharing plan given the region’s numerical strength. 

Last week, Raila himself hinted at an imminent unity pact with Wiper Party and One Kenya Alliance member Kalonzo Musyoka.

Raila expressed confidence that "our paths with Kalonzo will cross again in the near future."

"What Kalonzo is advocating is what Raila is also advocating. I am certain that our paths will cross again in the near future," Raila told an ecstatic crowd at Kasarani gymnasium.

There is a vicious feuding in the Oka Alliance which has been linked to cracks over working with either Raila or Ruto.