By S, KNA
This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Siakago Town, Embu County, were dominated by the upcoming by-election campaigns for the Mbeere North Constituency.
The celebrations provided an excellent platform for leaders to garner support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muthende in upcoming mini polls.
Led by governor Cecily Mbarire, the leaders said the interest of the area’s people could be well taken care of by a pro-government candidate.
This, she said, would also ensure smooth continuation of the programs of the immediate former Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Ruku, who was appointed as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service a few months ago.
The first phase of a 45 Km Gikuyari-Karambari-Kirie-Mugwanjogu-Karerema-Ishiara link road project, costing Sh3.2 billion, is set to commence in November, hence, the project, including other water projects, demonstrate the government’s good intentions for Mbeere North’s people, who should reciprocate by electing a pro-government candidate, added the governor.
“To express gratitude to the government and President Dr. William Ruto for the many development projects in the area, it is recommended you elect a candidate from the ruling party,” she said.
Others who spoke including Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo, Special Advisor to the President Muriuki Njagagua and former area Member of Parliament as well as Members of the County Assembly, all exuded confidence of a resounding win for Muthende, saying he was the best bet for the area people compared to his opponents.
On his part, Muthende went on a charm offensive with a bag of goodies for the area people should he be elected.
For instance, he promised to make education free in all day secondary schools across the constituency to give parents a chance to put the money they have been spending on fees to other uses.
Muthende also pledged to lobby for more roads and water projects in the area that remains water deficient.
On his part, County Commissioner Jack Obuo said the security teams were working around the clock to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections.
“We want to give all the candidates a level playing field and voters a chance to exercise their democratic right in a peaceful environment, ” he said.
Meanwhile, governor Mbarire led residents in observing a one-minute of silence in honour of the late Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom she described as the father of multi-party democracy and devolution in the country.
“Though at times many of us disagreed with him politically, we knew the special role he played to make Kenya what it is today,” she remarked.