President Uhuru Kenyatta has moved to consolidate leaders from Mt Kenya as he seeks to unite the divisive region ahead of the 2022 General Elections.
The head of state directed the leaders to meet and discuss challenges facing the region. This includes Deputy President Wiliam Ruto's growing influence, the split vote effect and Speaker Justin Muturi coronation.
Local leaders will meet at Kenya Methodist University on Saturday, July 24.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya confirmed that the meeting was part of Uhuru's plan to secure the region from intruders.
"We cannot afford to be in the opposition as we were under previous governments. There should be nothing like Mt Kenya East or Mt Kenya West," Munya reiterated.
Lee Kinyanjui, Nakuru Governor, added that the team will analyse tactics that will lock out leaders who are out to take advantage of the region's voters.
"Our numbers mean something and we need to make that count. We shall unite the region with other progressive forces to achieve our long-term interests," Kinyanjui stated.
Among those in attendance will be Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Martin Wambora (Embu), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang'a), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and local leaders.
The meeting comes nearly a month after the same leaders held talks at a private location in Mt Kenya. This was prior to the Kiambaa by-election in which UDA's John Wanjiku trounced Jubilee's Kariri Njama.
Waiguru and Murungi warned the ruling party that it was losing touch with the local citizens and needed to rebrand ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Jubilee leaders have now called for the ouster of party Vice-Chairman David Murathe and Secretary-General Raphael Tuju.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, July 8, Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju disclosed that plans were underway to strengthen the party. He stated that "Yes, the team was strengthened but I cannot confirm the details you are asking me to. We are not rebranding but realigning.”
