THARAKA MP GITONGA MURUGARA’S RE-ELECTION BID HANGS ON THE BALANCE AS HE BATTLES OTHER 4 RIVALS DETERMINED TO UNSEAT HIM
By: Denis Mutua
Worth Noting:
- “By promising you a health facility when we are nearing elections does the MP insinuate that for the last five years he has abandoned you there has been no medical needs for Maragwa people for him to put up the facility here,” Sabastian slammed him.
- In what seemed to anger the residents, Murugara argued that his visit was meant to equip the dormitory with beds but on his way he encountered so many residents with needs which ended up ‘poking holes’ into his ‘pockets’ and thus he would return at a later date after consolidating self to equip the dormitory.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara alias GG is on his last minute rush in efforts to secure re-election to Parliament as his first term nears to an end.
However from look of things, Murugara’s fate hangs on the balance from stiff competition he is facing from the candidates he probably least thought would inflict any damage on his re-election bid.
The latest scenario was at Maragwa in Tharaka North Subcounty where the MP faced off with Sabastian Mwangangi alias Nkuri and business man turned politician Muchomba Marigu who now remains his biggest threat.
Earlier, Gitonga had brought overhead electricity poles for Gachoroni residents which turned to be political whips to water down his last minute efforts to light up Gachoroni market and environs after whole five years of empty promises.
Worth noting, Murugara had earlier in his term installed a tiny transformer at the market which residents and traders argued it was faulty since even after getting installed,they have never been connected to the national grid making them continue living in untold hardships without vital services that comes along with power supply.
Muchomba questioned why the MP had brought the poles when the polls are fast approaching while he has spent the rest of the term promising air.
“For the five years the MP has been on the reign he has not been bothering you, now that the election is one month away he has brought electricity poles to you, is that not hoodwinking you?” Muchomba posed.
At Maragwa, the wrestling continued with the two contestants facing off Murugara, determined to water down his efforts to woe voters.
For instance with the Maragwa primary school dormitory which Murugara argued to have erected, Muchomba slammed him for using it as a cash cow to loot from Tharaka CDF coffers.
The business man told residents that the dormitory said to have been built at a tune of Ksh 2.5 million, ended up spending only Ksh 300,000 since it’s construction was already underway when the legislator took over and the whereabouts of the remaining cash remain a mystery.
Murugara’s pledge to build a dispensary for the locals if he gets re-elected was rubbished by Sebastian Mwangangi who said if indeed the MP was genuine, the dispensary should have been a thing of the past by now with Murugara having had all the resources in his first term.
” By promising you a health facility when we are nearing elections does the MP insinuate that for the last five years he has abandoned you there has been no medical needs for Maragwa people for him to put up the facility here,” Sabastian slammed him.
In what seemed to anger the residents, Murugara argued that his visit was meant to equip the dormitory with beds but on his way he encountered so many residents with needs which ended up ‘poking holes’ into his ‘pockets’ and thus he would return at a later date after consolidating self to equip the dormitory.
Muchomba accused him of playing monkey tricks with welfare of Tharaka residents who bestowed him with a responsibility to serve them only to disappoint their expectations.
After things turning messy, Murugara would leave the event after his efforts to control the meeting failed while the Tharaka business man chipped in helping the kids have beds in the dormitory.
Further, Muchomba aided the school get an ablution facility together with some food stuff to help feed kids in the school.
The UDA allied MP has recently faced humiliation after residents refunded him money he had issued to some students which they claimed was a drop in the ocean considering the fee arrears they had, while the MP offered them mere Ksh 2000 each.
Appart from Muchomba and Sabastian, Murugara is also battling Francis Mutegi kabisani of Jubilee party and Wilson Ngugi Diego of Chama cha Kazi.
However Muchomba who comes from his Mukothima backyard and vying on independent ticket seems to be having an upper hard from his immense following he has gained lately and also his financial muscles which puts him at a better position to battle the incumbent.
As polls approach, the ball remains on voter’s side to decide whether Murugara will bounce back to parliament or will be shown the door.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER July 31, 2026
- When advocacy meets politics: Crystal Asige’s removal raises questions about representation and inclusion
- KEMSA chief reaffirms commitment to accountability before Senate health committee
- Lucy Muchoki champions strategic partnerships to unlock healthcare investment and private sector growth
- Gachagua steps up consultations as DCP intensifies recruitment drive
About the Author
