NASA co-principals Moses Wetang’ula, Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka address a rally in Chuka Town, Tharaka Nithi County. [Photo: standardmedia.co.ke]
Nasa leaders on Friday kicked off a two-day vote hunting tour in Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties where they appealed to the region voters to send Jubilee leaders home for failing to deliver.In what sounded like carefully chosen words perhaps not to stir emotions among residents who widely support Jubilee party, the Nasa leaders said that they only have a problem with Deputy President William Ruto and not President Uhuru Kenyatta.They said that Ruto is the reason Jubilee government should go home describing him “as a dangerous person to lead the country.”But will Nasa manage to convince the Mt Kenya East voters to join their bandwagon and as a result boost their chances of dislodging Jubilee from power come August 8? Political analyst and Njuri Ncheke elder, Shadrack Muriuki doesn't think so.Muriuki says that Mt Kenya East region will always vote with their central Kenya counterparts noting that the close relationship between Mt. Kenya East and Central Kenya dates back to the Mau Mau war when the two fought the colonialists together.He argues that there will not come a time, anytime soon when the two will part ways.“The relationship between Mt Kenya East sub-region has been consistent as far as the presidential vote is concerned. Historically, Meru and Tharaka Nithi have voted for MPs belonging to different parties, but have always voted for a presidential candidate from Central,” Muriuki told the Standard recently.He adds: “There were times when Kiraitu Murungi, Maoka Maore and David Mwiraria were in the opposition but were voted in, and the presidential vote went to a Central Kenya candidate (Mwai Kibaki)."Muriuki stated that despite some politicians from the area 'making noise' that the area has been overlooked in terms of development, there is nothing much that can come from it as it is "tantamount to throwing tantrums to attract attention.”He said in some areas such as Tharaka Nithi, there are more votes cast by Ameru than some constituencies in Central itself proving that the bond is as strong as ever.“For a very long time, there will never be a time when Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Central will part company,” asserted Muriuki.