As political turmoil rages in Mt Kenya region, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has formed a new party which he says will cater for the interests of Mt Kenya East “who feel neglected in the sharing of national resources.”
He said the new party Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) will serve as political vehicle for Mt Kenya East counties mainly Meru, Tharaka and Embu through which the region will negotiate as a separate entity.
Kiraitu who has never lost an election since 1992 is famous for using a different party in every general election, says it is necessary for Mt Kenya East to create its own political vehicle so the region can negotiate separately.
He said the region feels neglected and gave the example of “Mau Mau Roads” which he noted had been allocated to Mt Kenya West while none went to Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties.
“I have personally used different parties on the elections since 1992, and the return of ‘MBUS’ has been informed by experience and complexities involved in all previous attempts to build a national party,’’ he said.
Kiraitu said the process of building a single party in Kenya has been long and has failed every time for because once presidential aspirants capture power, they are no longer interested in parties.
He said the other reason that makes building a single party for Kenya difficult is because Kenya has not reached political maturity like the US and the UK where there are only two major national political parties.
Kiraitu says Kenya has retreated to building and strengthening regional parties whose leaders will always meet and address the grievances and interests of their regions, which is why Meru people must not be left behind.
He urged the people of Mt Kenya East to join the party saying they will embark on a recruitment drive for members.
“I call on our people to join the ‘MBUS’ party which has been rebranded to Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) with its initial symbol of the bus, green, yellow and black being the dominant colours. Our people should be ready to take part in the party leadership at various levels once the recruitment drive begins,’’ said Kiraitu.
He said DEP will negotiate with potential presidential aspirants particularly those who show they have the best interests of Meru and the region at large.
