 |
| From left, seated; Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, former minister Njeru Ndwiga and incumbent Governor Martin Wambora, among other leaders in a press conference at Izaak Walton hotel in Embu. |
In what may be referred to as a twist in the tale of Embu politics (Siasa za Embu), miscommunication within Jubilee Party is evidently working for the good of the County, as it seems to bring leaders together. According to the Nation, the incumbent Governor of Embu County, Martin Wambora joined hands with Senator Lenny Kivuti who is eyeing the Governor's seat and former minister for co-operative development Njeru Ndwiga, who is in turn targeting the Senatorial position, to condemn the County Assembly Speaker Kariuki Mate, whose theatrics threaten to jeopardize the ruling Party's popularity in the County. Mr. Mate is a self proclaimed supporter of Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire for the gubernatorial seat.
In a rare show of unity, nevertheless, the politicians addressed a joint press briefing at Izaak Walton Inn on Wednesday, 1st February 2017, where they tore into Speaker Kariuki Mate after reports emerged that he had been appointed to a top party position. Mr Kivuti claimed that a meeting held on January 14, and attended by Mr Mate had agreed on how Jubilee tickets would be shared. However, the information has been found out to be mere propaganda aimed at destabilizing Jubilee members ahead of the forthcoming Party nominations in April. The misinformation, alleged to have originated from Mr Kivuti was meant to cause a split in Embu Jubilee Party leadership. The three senior politicians ganged against the County Assembly Speaker, poking holes into his integrity to lead the party’s activities.
The Speaker, however, has denied being appointed as the Director of Operations explaining that he had only volunteered to mobilize residents to register as voters in the ongoing mass listing exercise.
They said there is a likelihood of favoritism since Mr Mate had publicly announced his support for Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire who is seeking to unseat Mr Wambora.
Political analysts have it that the whole saga was instigated by Mr. Kivuti, who having realized that he has been marked as the common enemy, wished to turn tables and portray Ms. Cecily Mbarire as the antagonist, a move that has instead brought the leaders together for the betterment of Embu County politics.
