Controversy has emerged after claims that TNA rigged out a senator aspirant in Meru because of his ethnic background.

It is said the party wanted someone from Imenti Sub tribe and not Tigania. This led to Mathew Adams Karauri, a former Tigania East MP, being locked out of the race.

Kararuri had been campaigning for the party and its presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta. Karauri said he was the only person who had expressed interest to vie for senator seat on a the TNA ticket.

He saidhe was denied a letter of clearance from the Meru TNA office and instead given a letter which stated that he was the only contestant who showed up at the TNA office during the nominations.

He learnt later that Gideon Kaumbuthu Meenye, who was aspiring for the North Imenti Parliamentary seat, had been given a direct ticket to vie for Meru senator.