Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, claims Meru governor, Kiraitu Murungi, was threatened and blackmailed to join Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party.
Appearing on K24 TV on Tuesday, April 12, Nyoro - a fierce defender of Deputy President William Ruto - alleged that Kiraitu was summoned to State House, Nairobi, where the riot act was read to him by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The outspoken Kiharu Legislator argued that Kiraitu was threatened with possible prosecution over his alleged involvement in the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) scandal if he failed to join Azimio.
Nyoro revealed that the Meru governor had struck a deal with DP Ruto and was set to join Kenya Kwanza before being called for an impromptu meeting at State House.
"What we have witnessed is that we have a coalition of people being blackmailed and being threatened to support a candidate who a majority of them do not believe in.
"I can cite Governor Kiraitu Murungi who was to join Kenya Kwanza, unfortunately, he had a case with KEMSA and they threatened that he would be jailed for it," claimed Nyoro.
Nyoro added he was ready to provide evidence over the same in the event that the governor denied the claims.
"He can come out and deny and I will show the evidence for this. It is out there. Most of the leaders have been blackmailed and in the coming weeks to shall see more people saying enough is enough," he stated.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MP added that more leaders and political parties were set to join Kenya Kwanza even as political realignments take shape.
Earlier on, Tharaka Nithi Senator, Kithure Kindiki, disclosed that Kenya Kwanza principals had held several talks with the Meru governor and he had agreed to join the coalition. Kindiki stated that they were stunned by the governor's move to join Azimio.
"We have spoken to him (Kiraitu) for more than six months, showing him that the ground, and Meru in particular, was with Ruto. However, towards the end, he joined Azimio. Is it the people who sent him there?"
"So, my brother, I'm sorry but the ground has spoken. The next Meru governor will be Mithika Linturi," the Senetor stated.
Kiraitu joined the Raila Odinga-led faction on March 8 after holding a meeting with officials of his Devolution Empowerment Party.
At the time, he explained that he had conducted a study that showed the former premier was ahead of his arch-rival, William Ruto in popularity.
"We have done our analysis, we have done our research, the next President of the Republic of Kenya is Raila Amollo Odinga," Kiraitu stated while joining Azimio.
