Disqualified Presidential aspirant Njeru Kathangu gave a boost to Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga after endorsing his candidature.
Speaking to the press on n Tuesday, July 19, the former Runyenjes Member of Parliament, noted that Raila had demonstrated patriotic leadership through his fight for constitutionalism and multi-party democracy.
He became the second presidential hopeful to endorse the Azimio flagbearer - just hours after Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria announced his support for Raila.
While lobbying the Embu community to support Raila, the Second Liberation hero reiterated that the former Prime Minister and his running mate are qualified to take over President Uhuru Kenyatta's leadership mantle.
"Let nobody lie to the Embu community that they will find a better leader than Raila Odinga. He has demonstrated his leadership through the fight for democracy and even the constitution.
"Raila's candidacy is a God-given chance for Kenyans to make the right leadership, especially after President Uhuru Kenyatta retires. The union between Raila and Martha Karua is a perfect opportunity for Kenyans to pick new leaders," Kathangu maintained.
Both Kathangu and Wa Iria's endorsement is a boast to Azimio la Umoja, which has been struggling to pick up numbers in the vast Mt Kenya region ahead of the August 9 polls.
Kathangu failed to appear before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for clearance on June 6, accusing the commission of bias.
Isaac Oneka, the national chairman of Ford Asili, read the statement that IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati rejected.
"I, therefore, disqualify Njeru Gathangu as a presidential candidate and your statement is quite unfortunate. We are independent and we are not working for anyone but following the law," Chebukati stated.
The former Runyenjes MP is among the veteran politicians who suffered in the Nyayo chamber. He was apprehended on July 11, 1990, at Mutugi’s Bar and Restaurant in Dagoretti Corner.
Also arrested alongside Kathangu were George Anyona, Edward Oyugi and Ngotho Kariuki.
He spent 15 days in sealed, dark basement cells he was allegedly tortured.
