[President Uhuru Kenyatta during his tour in Meru County. He skipped endorsing Jubilee leaders due to hostility from locals. Photo/Dennis Itumbi]
Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi’s governorship bid suffered a blow when President Uhuru Kenyatta avoided meddling in local politics during his two days tour to the region.
Prior to Uhuru’s tour, opposition team led by Raila Odinga had traversed in region, attracting thousands of multitudes in their stopovers, in a region perceived to be Jubilee stronghold.
But a tactical Kenyatta snubbed Kiraitu on Saturday and instead urged locals to reelect him based on his track record in the last four years.
“I know there is competition at the local level and it is upon you to elect the leader of your choice,” said Kenyatta after facing humiliation when he tried to endorse Kiraitu a day earlier.
He added: “I have only come to ask for your vote and I know you won’t deny me the opportunity. I will serve you without discrimination.”
Early this year, Kenyatta is said to have postponed his tour to the region given an increasing popularity of area governor Peter Munya.
In a total contrast of Kenyatta’s approach in regions he had visited earlier, he seemed to have softened his stand on Jubilee friendly candidates in various seats.