Uhuru finally unites Munya and Kiraitu

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday reconciled archrivals of Meru politics Governor Kiraitu Murungi and EAC Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, who fought hard in the last elections.

Speaking at Nchuui Primary School in Tigania East during the homecoming ceremony of CS Munya, the President told the two leaders to unite and serve the people of Meru, saying politics was over.

Mr Murungi and Mr Munya were adversaries during last year’s elections, polarising residents from Tigania, Igembe and Imenti sub counties.

There was a moment of tension before the President spoke, especially when Mr Murungi was invited to speak. There were murmurs among the crowd forcing the governor to assure them that he would serve the people of Tigania well.

“This rivalry of the Tigania, Igembe and Imenti should stop. It is useless to continue fighting. What we want to see is the Meru people getting development. We want them to work together for this to be possible,” Mr Kenyatta said.

SHAKE HANDS

Speaking in Kikuyu, the President who appeared visibly agitated by the rivalry asked the two leaders to shake hands.

“I want these two leaders to come forward and stop disturbing me. They should shake hands and work for the people of Meru because there is no development that can take place when people are fighting,” he said.

Earlier, the two political nemeses were hesitant to stretch their arms for the handshake after Igembe North MP Maore Maoka urged them to show unity in public.

Mr Kenyatta warned leaders against engaging in divisive politics saying ‘cheap politicking’ would not help Kenyans.

“This is not time for politics but time to work for Kenyans so that when we come back to you when elections come, we will tell you what we have accomplished,” the President said.

While expressing his willingness to end his differences with Mr Munya, Governor Murungi said he had no hard feelings.

HOMECOMING CEREMONY

“I have attended Mr Munya’s homecoming ceremony because the President brought us together. I want to do tangible work for the people of Meru. In 2022, you will vote whoever you want for governor. I come with a clean heart,” Governor Murungi said.

Mr Munya also said he would support Mr Kiraitu in serving the people of Meru.

Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi and Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen said there was a need to intensify the unity drive spearheaded by the President.

“As residents of Nyamira, we are in support of the unity being spearheaded by the President. We also support the fight against corruption,” Mr Omogeni said.

Earlier in Embu, President Kenyatta eulogised National Assembly Speaker’s mother as a beacon of unity and development in her community.

FEED NATION

“As the saying goes, when you feed a man, you feed an individual but when you feed a woman, then you are feeding a nation,” said the President.

President Kenyatta said his government will continue supporting women as they are key to progress and prosperity of any nation.

In honour of Mama Virginia, President Kenyatta directed Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed to facilitate construction of a laboratory at Kanyuambora Boys” High School.

“We celebrate her life. She was prolific and hardworking. May her virtues guide us all in our lives,” said the President.

“We remain steadfast to boosting power connections in every home. In Embu alone, more than 35,000 families have been connected to the national grid in the last five years. We plan to intensify this development by investing at least Sh770 million in power connections to homes,” said Deputy President William Ruto.