Boost for Raila as powerful politicians abandon Uhuru

ODM party leader Raila Odinga on Thursday received two veteran politicians from the Mount Kenya region into the National Super Alliance (NASA).

Former MPs Koigi Wa Wamwere and Kirugu M’Mukindia abandoned President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party after failing to get the party tickets for the respective seat they were contesting for.

Koigi, who is the former MP of then Nakuru North MP, was battling for the Nakuru Senatorial ticket but lost to the County speaker Susan Kihika.

On the other hand, Kirugu was the former Imenti Central MP contesting for Jubilee ticket for the Meru Senatorial seat.

Speaking when being received by Mr. Odinga, Kogi divulged that he was focused on working with the former Prime Minister to bring national unity.

“I came all the way to this place looking for national unity because it is difficult to get this country to the level of development we need without unity.

“I have decided to work with NASA and I will work to ensure NASA has got the victory it deserves,” Koigi said.

Koigi, who was a detainee during President Daniel Moi’s era, has been against the Opposition and his sudden change of heart was not foreseen.

He argued that he decided to join Mr Odinga’s camp because he (Odinga) promised to take the country to the ‘Promised land’.

According to the veteran politician, President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto had never made such a promise to

“From the days we were detained during KANU era, we were looking for a Canaan vision in our country. I can say it is not easy for someone (Raila) to say they are ready to be Joshua and take their country to Canaan,”

I can only wish my brother Raila well because there is no other person who has said he is willing to be Joshua.

The former Premier welcomed Koigi noting: “I and Koigi have a history. We have been detained several times by the previous regime for our stand on change in this country. Koigi has decided to team up with us as we move on towards the General Election.

Koigi accumulated meager votes during the Jubilee primaries and it is not clear of what benefit he will be to Mr. Odinga.

However, speaking during a television interview on Thursday night, Mr. Odinga mentioned that Nakuru was now not fully dominated by Jubilee following Koigi’s defection.