President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are set to tour Meru County today amid a looming showdown between Governor Peter Munya and Senator Kiraitu Murungi.
Senator Murungi had yesterday issued a stern warning to Governor Munya telling him to stay away from the President's tour, despite the Governor having endorsed President Kenyatta's re-election bid.
Read More: Governor Munya Ordered Not to Attend Uhuru's Rally
The governor has since responded rubbishing Murungi's warning, declaring he would defy the order and welcome the President to the county as part of his official duties.
"Since we support Mr Kenyatta, we have cancelled all our meetings on Friday and Saturday to receive the president. The croaking of a frog does not prevent cows from drinking water.
"This is not the first time the President is coming to Meru. The President is coming for official duties and the threats by Mr Murungi do not mean anything," Governor Munya declared.
Governor Munya and Murungi have been locked in a fierce battle for the county's governorship that has seen them trade various embarrassing accusations.
Murungi has accused Munya of defacing his posters and publicly belittled the governor for his declared ambition for the Presidency in 2022, declaring that it was a juvenile dream.
On the other hand, Munya publicly shamed Murungi for endorsing DP Ruto for the 2022 Presidency, calling him a coward who shied away from his own political ambitions.
Mr Munya has urged President Kenyatta to only seek the presidential votes from the people of Meru and avoid endorsing any particular candidate for Governor.
"Last year, we endorsed Mr Kenyatta’s re-election without coercion. Please come and seek your vote and leave the rest to the Meru people to decide," he urged.
The President and the DP will today start their meet-the-people tour of Meru at Igoji, passing through Nkubu and Kiriini to address residents and consolidate support in the Jubilee stronghold.
From Kiriini, President Kenyatta and his deputy, together with other leaders, will head to Timau, Kirua and Meru town where the President will open the Meru County Assembly buildings before addressing residents at the Meru Bus Park.
