NARCK-Kenya party leader Martha Karua on Sunday, January 30, received numerous endorsements as the next person to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as the Mt Kenya spokesperson.
Speaking in Kirinyaga, a number of politicians hailed Karua's leadership- noting that she was the only leader fit to lead the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri, National Commission for Integration and Cohesion (NCIC) commissioner Gitile Naituli, and Kirinyaga gubernatorial aspirant Muriithi Kagai were among those who endorsed the Narc Kenya boss.
Ndambiri and Kagai are both eyeing the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat which Karua has publicly declared interest in - but the endorsement from her allies suggested that she may be eyeing a bigger position in the national space.
She, however, was adamant that she was capable of leading both the county and the country in general.
"There is no Kirinyaga without Kenya. I will serve both Kirinyaga but please allow me to also serve the greater Kenya. We should entrust the country with leaders of integrity. We should not elect corrupt leaders who will embezzle our resources," she stated.
She vowed to work with the OKA team who also heaped praise for her capabilities.
"The leader who has made us attend this event here is Martha Karua. You know at times, you may have gold but you are not aware of it. In Kenya, after President Uhuru Kenyatta, the only leader who can fight for the rights of this region is Martha Karua."
"When the situation in the country deteriorated, we had joined forces with her in 2007 in order to ensure that peace prevailed. She is a respected leader who is revered by many, "Jirongo stated.
The NARC-Kenya party leader had hosted One Kenya Alliance principals Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Gideon Moi ( KANU in Kirinyaga as they sought to popularise their bid.
Karua, who remained firm in her stance against corruption, noted that Kenyans had a chance to elect their future leaders in the August 9 poll.
"A leader who respects Kenyans will not loot from the public. The dire situation within the health sector should be a thing of the past due to devolved functions. However, a building alone won't provide the necessary medical services as there needs to be efficient equipment, resources, and personnel," she pointed out.
Further, Karua criticised the media for pushing the two-horse race narrative- reiterating that a third formidable opponent would be at the ballot.
"We don't want to be told that we have only two options. We have my brother Kalonzo, who has already declared. We don't know who else will declare before April. I want to beg the media to stop that narrative of two horses as there are more.
"In the next six weeks, you will not be talking about two horses. I want to assure you that the fifth President of Kenya is seated here amongst us," she stated amidst cheers from the crowd.
Karua was previously endorsed as the Mount Kenya spokesperson by political leaders within the region during a consultative meeting held last year in November.
The leaders fronted Karua as the best politician to advocate for their interests moving forward.
“For the avoidance of doubt this forum has today chosen Martha Karua to be our official convener and our spokesperson," Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria acknowledged.
