Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni on Monday, May 20 explained why former President Uhuru Kenyatta was selected as the Mt Kenya political kingpin at the Limunu 3 meeting despite his retirement from politics.
Speaking during an interview on K24, Kioni explained that attendees at the meeting settled on Uhuru because of the respect he commands across the political and cultural leadership of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Kioni acknowledged that both leaders from Kenyan Kwanza and Azimio held Uhuru in high regard despite their political and ideological differences.
On the other hand, he also stated that Uhuru had previously held the highest position in the country and served as the president for two terms.
Therefore, he detailed that Uhuru was the only leader who could listen to all the grievances and unite the community.
"If you look at the traditional leadership, there may be division. However, people respect Uhuru. Politicians have various opinions but people respect him (Uhuru).
"He has already left politics and we want him to sit with us and discuss our issues. He has already become a President and our leader, why wouldn't we give him the position?" he posed.
Nonetheless, he maintained that the former President did not offer himself for the position, clarifying that the attendees of the meeting were behind his selection.
Kioni also added that a meeting would be organised with Uhuru in the coming days so that the organisers can present the memorandum from the meeting.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was named kingpin for the Mt Kenya region which has 10 counties including Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Nakuru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru.
In the meeting that was held on Friday, May 17, various leaders from the 10 counties discussed issues affecting the community including the allocation of revenue and the Kenya Kwanza taxation regime.
Also discussed was the political direction of the community ahead of the 2027 polls.
