Murang'a governor Mwangi Wa Iria has officially joined Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance and will support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's presidential bid.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, July 19, Iria revealed that he held discussions with Raila on his manifesto and struck a deal on issues they will focus on in Raila's administration.
In particular, he stated that Raila agreed to implement his one home, one cow programme should Azimio form the next government.
"I told Raila that if we combined his Ksh6,000 pledge and my cow programme then we will take Kenyan families above the poverty line. I told him that if those two things were in our joint manifesto, then, we would have a deal.
"Through that joined manifesto, Usawa Kwa Wote will support the candidature of Raila. My supporters will now rally behind Raila Odinga," he stated.
Further, he explained that Azimio was the only option for him claiming that other camps had schemed against his presidency.
Iria added that the Kenya Kwanza faction in the Mt Kenya region led by Deputy President William Ruto's running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, was inconsiderate and did not have any regard for grassroots leaders.
"It has reached a level where people think that they are the Kings of Murang'a. I am the de facto leader of Muranga and I have been their leader for 10 years dealing with their problems every day and that is why they have been voting for me."
Iria added that he will demand a cabinet post should Raila win the August 9 polls.
"If I get to the Cabinet, I will implement all the programmes because I have the knowledge. The people of Murang'a should therefore rally behind me and we shall demand that Raila gives me a cabinet position."
The governor who is serving his second term and final term had launched his presidential bid last year, before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) disqualified him.
Iria was denied clearance by the chairperson, Wafula Chebukati after he failed to submit his nomination papers on time.
