[Gitobu Imanyara in a past event. He says he was advised by elders to join Maendeleo Chap Chap from ODM party. Photo/nation.co.ke]
Renowned Lawyer Gitobu Imanyara has announced his defection from Opposition Party ODM to Governor Alfred Mutua's Maendeleo Chap Chap.
He is set to vie for the Imenti Central parliamentary seat.
Speaking on Monday when he made the announcement, Imanyara said he had made the decision after wide consultations with elders drawn from the Njuri Ncheke.
"I had retired from politics but I was called by the elders and residents who told me [matters were not being handled well]....the development projects I started stalled. They asked me to make a comeback," the Star quoted him.
"In the 2013 poll, I vied for senator on an ODM ticket but this time round the elders have told me to vie under Maendeleo Chap Chap. Its (Maendeleo Chap Chap) leaders have shown good leadership by campaigning peacefully and its structures are good, unlike other coalitions which are filled with fracas and abuses," he added.
Imanyara had announced his retirement from active politics after he lost the Meru Senatorial seat to Kiraitu Murungi.
He is set to battle it out with incumbent MP Gideon Mwiti and Meru county secretary Gideon Kimathi.