Tharaka Nithi Governor, Muthomi Njuki, has indicated that the county has not yet settled on anyone as its preferred 2022 candidate.
According to the Governor, candidates need to prove to be helpful to the county for them to earn worthy consideration and support from the region.
"Wapatiwe nafasi wafanye kazi ili Kenya isaidike. Tufanye kazi ili Kenya isaidike (Let them be given an opportunity to serve for the benefit of Kenya)," Governor Njuki stated.
[caption caption="Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki"]
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"Ikifika 2022 wakitaka kusimamisha mtu yao, sasa wasimamishe (If they want to field a candidate come 2022, they are at liberty)," he added.
Governor Njuki pleaded that President Uhuru Kenyatta should be accorded a conducive environment to work during his last tenure in office.
"Lakini kama wamepatia Uhuru Kenyatta nafasi ya kuacha legacy ya kufanya kazi katika Kenya ndiyo muhula yake ya mwisho (But they should first give President Uhuru Kenyatta to leave a legacy during his last term)," Njuki elaborated his position.
Mr Njuki further stated: "We are yet to settle for a candidate in 2022. Let nobody lie to you that we have settled for a candidate."
The Governor indicated that their candidate would only be selected on the basis of the benefits that they accorded the county.
These remarks seemed to resonate with an earlier statement by the Governor cautioning Deputy President William Ruto that he would not be guaranteed the region's support if the Cabinet appointments did not consider the county.
[caption caption="A Kenyan casts vote during past election"]
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Tharaka-Nithi County is considered a Jubilee stronghold and was the source of the crucial swing vote that saw former President Mwai Kibaki secure his second term during the disputed 2007 General Election.
