ODM leader Raila Odinga with Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua during a past rally. Photo: kenyan-post.com
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has said she was not at any point in the Opposition coalition Cord.
The Kirinyaga County gubernatorial aspirant who had been a fierce critic of the Jubilee administration announced she will back President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid.
Her announcement came as a shock to many because she attended Cord rallies and even hinted at supporting Raila Odinga for president.
“What I have done is not unusual. Even those who are now backing the Opposition, have not always been in Opposition. By Supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta and his government doesn’t mean I cannot point ills in government…,” Karua said during an interview with NTV on Monday.
The former Justice Minister dismissed claims her move was tribal, saying she had the right to support anyone.
“I have no apologies. Kirinyaga is my home so I have gone back to my home county. Nothing in the Constitution says I cannot support somebody merely because they come from my backyard. We have become so parochial, I have seen that even on Twitter, that me supporting Uhuru is tribal. What about Orengo (James) and Anyang’ Nyong’o supporting Raila? So is that sanctioned? It is choice!” she said.
Karua said Opposition leaders are her friends, and there is no bad blood between Raila and her.
"I never was a part of NASA or Cord. I was a friend of Cord, and I kept on saying it in the press. Working with people you don't become them. I collaborated with them as I should have, and now I am collaborating with the government, as a choice," Karua said.
She, however, said her party will not join Uhuru's Jubilee Party.