President Uhuru Kenyatta has made a passionate appeal to the Tharaka Nithi voters to come out in large numbers, as is their tradition, and vote for him on August 8.
Speaking on Tuesday during a campaign trail in the area, Uhuru drummed for support for his re-election bid.
Acknowledging their loyalty, he said: “You the people of Tharaka Nithi have always taken the cup for recording the biggest turn out during elections. I want you to do the same this time and ensure this man of Kitendawili [Raila Odinga] does not come near us.”
Commenting on the huge turnout reminiscent with 2013 general elections, Chuka Igamba Ngombe MP Muthomi Njuki said residents of Tharka always turn out in large numbers because it is a tradition for them.
Njuki said their support for a particular Presidential candidate is always the driving force behind the huge turnout tradition for Tharaka residents.
Tharaka Nithi is famed for the huge voter turn out and its results are believed to have played a big role in Uhuru’s win since they came in at the last minute when he was going neck to neck with Raila Odinga.
Uhuru called on voters from the area to reject political advances by NASA.
“You have nothing to gain from supporting those in opposition apart from stories and propaganda,” he said.
Deputy President William Ruto amplified Uhuru’s call for rejection of NASA in the region.
“You should not gamble with your votes come August 8. You should not waster your votes by supporting the opposition which is destined to lose as it is now clear that Jubilee is the winning team.”
Senate Majority Leader Prof Kithure Kindiki affirmed that the region was solidly in Jubilee.
“Voters in this county are firmly behind the leadership of President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto,” he said.
NASA has made inroads in the region and now terms it as a swing region during the August 8 polls.