Plans to unite Mt Kenya East into a solid voting bloc have been received with a lot of opposition from a section of the leaders drawn from the region.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi is among those pushing for a Mt Kenya East political party to unite them as a voting bloc as he compared the presidential election to a horse race and said the region needs their own horse to participate it.
"I agree with those who say we should have a political party in this region because if you are walking on foot, what would you be doing in a horse race? We have to have our own horse," Kiraitu told the Standard.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya, however, on his side has dismissed the plans to form a new party while simultaneously drumming support for the Party of National Unity (PNU).
"We do not want to hear about a new political party because we already have enough. Our problem is not lack of parties. We have PNU," Munya claimed.
The scheme to form one party for Mt Kenya East region was being choreographed by Meru County Assembly Majority leader Victor Kariithi.
Pitching his idea for the party, Kariithi said the next step for the region after the speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi made it clear that he will be taking a stab at the presidency, is the formation of one party that will bring together all the leaders from the region and catapult him to victory.
Former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri is also opposed to the plans. Kiunjuri through Joseph Eruaki, Coordinator of Service Party of Kenya (TSK) dismissed the plans to form one party that will champion the region's agenda.
Eruaki, former Igembe North MP, castigated those behind the plans accusing them of pursuing their own selfish agendas.
This comes as Muturi is seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenya. Announcing his bid, he made it clear that he wants to lead a disciplined and united nation come 2022.
"It is very difficult to go talking about wanting to go and run for second place, I don't believe in that. I'm very clear in my mind that with your support, with your prayers we will be able to clinch that top seat," Muturi stated.
The newly crowned Mt Kenya spokesman insisted that for him to achieve his vision for the country, he must take a stab at the Presidency.
