Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua is set to join the Azimio la Umoja movement ahead of the August elections.
Karua will make the announcement on Wednesday after speculations on whether she will back ODM Party leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid or join DP William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza team.
Karua’s party will hold a joint press conference with Azimio la Umoja, pointing to a likelihood of Narc Kenya joining forces with the giant outfit.
Azimio la Umoja communication Director Dennis Onsarigo confirmed to the Star that the meeting would take place at 11:30 am but did not disclose the agenda.
“Yes, they will be holding a joint press conference at 11:30am,” Onsarigo affirmed.
Asked whether Karua would officially declare joining the Raila Odinga-led coalition, Onsarigo said, “I don’t know. I’m also going to find out at that meeting,” he said on phone.
A tweet by Narc Kenya, however, gave indications that the event could culminate into the party joining forces with Azimio ahead of the August 9 elections.
“A time to finally steer the nation is finally here and change is at sight,” read the tweet.
Karua has been an integral part of two alliances – Mount Kenya Unity Forum and the One Kenya Alliance.
Affiliate members of these outfits have however joined either the Azimio or Kenya Kwanza leaving Karua alone.
During an interview with Citizen on Tuesday night, Karua said she was open to the idea of deputising Raila but the ultimate decision lies on the ODM boss himself.
She was responding to some Mt Kenya leaders who asked her to deputise Raila.
“I take the endorsement kindly with appreciation and I know they have goodwill towards me and they have confidence in me. I hear them but again, DP position is not something you run for, it is a position someone else names you for,” she said.
Karua also explained that her party – NARC Kenya – is looking for a side that not only voices the agenda for Kenya but answers the ‘how’ to implement that agenda.
“I am not ready to say outrightly or upfront which side, but I will say this, I’m looking for a formation where we can see a good number of people of goodwill, people who have in the past demonstrated selfless service to the nation,” she said.
“Everyone can say what they will do for Kenya, everyone can promise heaven but without safeguarding public resources, those promises are not worth anything, they are not worth even a mention.”
Last week, Karua disclosed that she is focusing on her Kirinyaga gubernatorial race.
Karua shot into the national limelight in the 90s but her role in defending President Mwai Kibaki’s controversial 2007 electoral victory put her at the heart of Kenya’s politics.
She served in the panel that brokered a peace deal in 2007 between Kibaki and Raila, following the political deadlock triggered by the post-election violence.
Then serving as Justice minister, Karua was known for her uncompromising positions that affirmed the Party of National Unity’s wish, emerging as one of the firmest and hardline negotiators.
Analysts say Karua is a favourite for politicians seeking votes in Mt Kenya because Mt Kenya people have faith and trust in her.
“Her role as the main defender of the (Mwai) Kibaki presidency and the 2007 Kofi Annan negotiations still lingers in almost every Mt Kenya adult’s home,” political analyst Paul Lugaria said.
Those pushing for Karua as the country’s next second-in-command argue that her unwavering and firm positions would safeguard the Mt Kenya interests in the next government. BY THE STAR