Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and former Meru Governor, Peter Munya, has been endorsed as a runningmate to former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, by a section of leaders from the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
During the Party of National Unity (PNU) National Delegates Conference (NDC) held on Thursday, February 25, leaders allied to the party endorsed the former Meru Governor, who also doubles up as the party leader.
Led by former Ministry of Sports Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Zack Kunuthia, the leaders asked Raila to settle on Munya stating that he was the best-suited candidate for the position.
Kinuthia asked the ODM boss not to be distracted by other politicians seeking the same position in the Azimio La Umoja political faction, arguing that most of them were motivated by personal and selfish interests.
"We have sent Munya in broad daylight. Those who are looking for the seat of the Deputy President should be told that the seat is already occupied," stated the youthful politician eyeing the Kigumo Parliamentary seat.
On his part, Munya welcomed the endorsement expressing that he was the favorite candidate out of the potential list of runningmates from the mountain region.
He also stated that PNU would work closely with the Jubilee Party, disclosing that President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the negotiations with the Azimio La Umoja group.
"The endorsement is welcome. Is there any problem with that? I will not be far away. I am close and by the grace of God, our dream will come true.
“We have also resolved that the party leader of Jubilee to negotiate on behalf of PNU in the Azimio La Umoja negotiations,” stated Munya.
The sentiments by the leaders come barely days after President Uhuru Kenyatta, while meeting Mt Kenya leaders at the Sagana Stale Lodge, heaped praise on Munya, stating that he was a transformative leader.
Uhuru remarked that Munya had transformed the Ministry of Agriculture since his appointment during the second term of the Jubilee administration.
"All those years, because they are saying they are coming to fix that, who has been leading the Ministry of Agriculture? Is it them or me?
"One year and a half under Munya’s leadership, coffee has money returns, tea farmers have fertilizer, dairy farmers have a minimum guarantee," stated Uhuru.
Upon the endorsement, Munya joins the list of other Mt Kenya leaders such as former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua who are seeking to deputise Raila.
