Muranga Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has blocked a rally called by 15 Bishops and Deputy President William Ruto that was scheduled for Saturday in Muranga.
The Governor used the excuse that the field was booked for another meeting and therefore unavailable for tangatanga adherents.
“The field isn’t available for political or prayer gathering. It was booked, paid and reserved on 5th April by Avocado farmers…they should look for another venue either within or outside the County” Mwangi Wa Iria said
This comes at a time when reports indicate that most of the governors affiliated to the 10-member Central Kenya Economic Bloc (Cekeb) seem to have suddenly withdrawn their support for Deputy President William Ruto, shunning his company in the last couple of months.
Apart from Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga, the rest seem keen to minimise their association with the DP.
Mwangi wa Iria was one of the DP’s strongest supporters, often joining Dr. Ruto in his visits across the country. At one time he was even being touted as a possible running mate for the DP come 2022.
In the past, most of them would join the DP when he visited the region, moving as a team to lobby for development projects as they pledged their loyalty.
Nyandarua County Assembly Majority Leader King’ori Wambugu attributes the shunning of the DP by Cekeb governors to unfulfilled pledges and the launch and commissioning of projects that never materialised.
Mr Wambugu adds that secret meetings between the DP and MCAs from the region also fuelled conflicts between the assemblies and governors.
“The region’s leadership realised that the DP is using the divide-and-rule tactic to gain political mileage. When visiting Central, the DP comes with promises, but in other areas he initiates tangible developments,” said Mr King’ori.
The new development comes even as sharp divisions emerged among the bishops who were planning the meeting. The rally was planned by 11 bishops who were expected to meet Dr. Ruto at a hotel before proceeding to Kimorori grounds for the prayer meeting.
The forum’s steering committee members include Murang’a Catholic Bishop James Maria Wainaina, ACK Dioceseof Mt Kenya Central Timothy Gichere, his Murang’a South Diocese counterpart Julius Karanu and Thika DioceseBishop Julius Wanyoike.
Others are AIPCA Archbishop John Njoroge, Gilbert Maina of EAPC, and Rev John Mwati of PCEA, among others.