Murang’a Governor and presidential aspirant Mwangi Wa Iria has deplored ‘political discrimination’ after security officers barred his convoy from entering Nyandarua county on Sunday.
A convoy of party members and supporters found a roadblock at the Kiambu Njabi-ini boundary. They were told they would not be allowed to enter the county due to Covid-19 prevention protocols.
His supporters engaged the police in an altercation that lasted for hours. They finally were advised to use another route through Kinamba where they encountered another roadblock and were stopped.
The governor told journalists on Monday that ANC party leader and fellow presidential aspirant Musalia Mudavadi was in Nyandarua on Saturday and was not blocked.
Mudavadi attended a fundraiser at St Cecilia Catholic church. It was attended by Governor Francis Kimemia and Sh24 million was raised for church projects.
Wa Iria asked why Mudavadi was not blocked and other politicians were allowed to freely market themselves in the region and in other parts of the country.
“ODM leader Raila Odinga was in Kiambu just the other day. On Sunday Deputy President William Ruto held gatherings all the way from Nyeri to Kiambu. Why was Covid-19 not a factor then? Why were they not stopped?” he asked.
Wa Iria said he was singled out to be stopped and demanded an explanation from Police IG Hillary Mutyambai for such “discrimination”.
“If that is the state of our politics, then we should know so that we also act accordingly,” he told journalists.
He said all presidential aspirants should be given a level playing ground to popularise themselves regardless of political affiliation.
He promised to organise another event in Nyandarua county, saying security officers will have to deal with him should they stop him from entering.
Wa Iria said such ‘intimidation’ only strengthens his zeal to run for president.
He said he wants to sell his agenda, especially on agriculture, to the people of Nyandarua.
“I know the problems that Nyandarua people are facing and I have solutions. I know some of them are selling their milk for as little as Sh18 per litre. In Murang’a, the same is going for S40,” the governor said.
“I want to ask the people of Mt. Kenya region to watch keenly because such happenings [being stopped] could be a sign of things to come,” he added.
The governor announced he would vie for president early last year after registering his own party, Usawa Kwa Wote.
He has also distanced himself from talk of unity among leaders from the region spearheaded by The Service Party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Wa Iria said it’s not time for parties to seek mergers and urged them to sell their visions and seek residents’ support. He said mergers should only take place near election time, otherwise, they could collapse.
He has been to Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties on a recruitment drive as his parties eyes more than four million voters in the Mt Kenya region.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has been marketing himself in the region — as has Mudavadi, ODM boss Raila Odinga, MCC leader Alfred Mutua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Some leaders have been calling for the region to support other communities while others say Mt Kenya will field its own candidates. BY THE STAR