Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi joins Azimio la Umoja

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has formally joined Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja movement, solidifying his support of the former premier’s presidential bid at the August polls.

The Devolution Empowerment Party’s frontman, who is seeking to defend his position at the ballot, made the announcement during the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) held in Meru County on Tuesday.

Speaking during the NDC, which was graced by the ODM leader, Kiraitu indicated that his party allied with the Azimio movement after holding consultative talks with his party members, political rivals and his county’s constituents.  

"We have done the research, talked to opponents and listened to confidential reports. I can confidently tell you that the fifth president of the Republic of Kenya is no other than Raila Odinga. Devolution empowerment party will work with Azimio Movement for a better Kenya," Murungi said in a Twitter post.

On his part, Odinga thanked the Meru Governor and his party for inviting him to the event, joining hands with him and endorsing his presidential bid.

Murungi’s move to defend his seat will pit him against Meru Senator Mithika Linturi who has similarly expressed interest in contesting for the Governor seat, under a UDA party ticket.