Nyeri UDA aspirants demand equal recognition by DP

The Mount Kenya Times

Politics
26 February 2022

The Mount Kenya Times

By Our Correspondents

A section of Nyeri County politicians seeking various seats on UDA ticket have demanded equal recognition by the party presidential aspirant Dr William Ruto during his visit in the area today.

The aspirants want the DP to accord them equal status without being seen to be favouring some, mostly those with political seats.

Aspirants interviewed raised concern that there were plans to have the Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, Women Representative Rahab Mukami, businessman Wahome Wamatinga and a number of MCAs given special privileges, among them being donned with UDA caps by the DP during his meeting at Asian Quarters area near Nyeri town.

The move, some aspirants argue is being interpreted as a sign of their endorsement as the party’s flagbearers during the August 9 General Election.

“We should all be given equal opportunities. No one should feel as if others are being favoured. The party leadership should allow the voters to decide who will be candidate,” said Ms Esther Ngima (WaMuita) who is eying the Nyeri Town Parliamentary seat on UDA ticket.

Ms Ngima said if there are plans for the DP to don caps then it should be done to all aspirants who will be present during the meeting.

Her sentiments were supported by Wakili Gacheru Wabandi who is seeking the same sear.

“All aspirants deserve equal recognition. The DP should not seem to be favouring anyone, ” Wabandi said.

At the same time, the two decried violence and acts of hooliganism being witnessed in the area.

These include heckling by hired youths during public meetings and destruction of posters and banners.

So far, Ms Ngima’s posters have been removed in some areas.

Last week, unknown people destroyed billboards belonging to Economist Gachara Kamanga who is seeking to be the next governor and those of Senator Ephraim Maina Kirinyaga who is seeking the same seat.

While condemning such acts last weekend, former Nyeri mayor Wanyaga Gathaka who is also running for the Nyeri Town seat urged young people to be misused by selfish political leaders.