2022 Polls: Mama Ngina Calls On Mt Kenya Region To Follow President Kenyatta’s Political Direction

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 23- Former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta has defended President Uhuru Kenyatta, over his decision to support Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, in his quest to become Kenya’s fifth President.

Mama Ngina, who is also President Kenyatta’s mother, said the President meant well while calling on the residents of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region to listen to support the former Prime Minister.

Her sentiments came a few days after a host of leaders led by Deputy President William Ruto held a series of campaigns in Gatundu South- in what was seen as a direct challenge to the President.

DP Ruto has painted a picture of betrayal after supporting the president, in all the times he vied for the country’s top seat.

“The president means well for Kenya,” the former First Lady said.

She also slammed leaders who have been insulting the President, saying it was immoral.

“Depending on how one is raised up in his or her home even when they come out in public they cannot go out insulting others. I want to tell those who are engaging in insults that we will leave them like that if at all they were taught insults while growing up,” the former First Lady said during the burial of her cousin in Gatundu.

She said engaging in insults publicly is all about poor upbringing.

“Let’s try to love each other, this country is ours and we should strive to move it forward. Your leader cannot show you the wrong path,” she said in reference to the president.

“He (President Uhuru Kenyatta) had no ill will but if your junior shows you disrespect, you don’t bother, you just continue moving forward. The direction which he is showing you, follow it.”

The President is rooting for Odinga through the Azimio coalition, of which he is a patron.

Odinga has been supported by a dozen of political parties and will face off DP Ruto, who is being sponsored by his United Democratic Alliance party, under the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Other leaders in Kenya Kwanza coalition includes Chama Cha Kazi leader Moses Kuria, Tujibebe party leader William Kabogo, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula.

While the President says Odinga’s presidential candidature is about the country’s unity, DP Ruto and his brigade say it should be about the economic empowerment of Kenyans.

Ruto has in previous events said he will dismantle what he termed as state capture and reform the country’s criminal justice agencies- which he said have been weaponized.