Ruto-allied MPs say Uhuru is still Mt Kenya kingpin

President William Ruto and Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Nairobi. [PCS]

A section of Mt Kenya leaders allied to President William Ruto have said that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is still the leader of the region.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri said they will not be coerced by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua into joining him.

Others who spoke were Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Mary Maingi (Mwea), and Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru). [Jane Mugambi] 

The former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary said leaders should practise politics of tolerance, emphasising that every leader deserves the opportunity to present their agenda to the electorate, regardless of their political background. 

"All leaders should be allowed to express their views and invite the public to hear about their policies without facing discrimination based on party affiliation," he said.

He added, "We as Mt Kenya people are not going to allow politics of division being created by an individual. We should unite for a purpose."

Leaders aligned with President Ruto have faced hostilities from voters in Mt Kenya since the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

To reconnect with the region, the MPs have initiated various empowerment programmes targeting women (mama mboga) and boda boda riders.

Kiunjuri was accompanied by other leaders at an empowerment event for boda boda operators at Kamuiru High School in Kirinyaga Central.

"We have many political parties. We have one led by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, and we have TSP, where I am the party leader. That is a fact that we need to accept. Let all come and listen to them, then make your own decision," said Kiunjuri. 

Kiunjuri also stated that intimidation to abandon the government for an anti-government stance is unacceptable, and he reassured constituents that they still have ample time to fulfil their promises to the region. 

He reinforced their commitment to backing President Ruto while also discouraging any opposition efforts aimed at creating chaos, urging residents to reject tactics that involve hired thugs disrupting meetings.

"We are behind the president since that's the only place we can get the development that we need; the opposition can't deliver anything," he added.

In a related statement, Laikipia Women’s Representative Jane Kagiri has criticised opposition figures attempting to polarise residents along political lines, calling for the Mt Kenya region to move away from tribal politics.

She highlighted efforts by Gachagua to sow division among the communities and reiterated their pledge to continue supporting President Ruto's administration to ensure the region receives its fair share of national resources. 

"That man roaming around talking ill of the government – one time he insulted me at the state house, and to date I stand and say if Mt Kenya will follow him, then we are doomed," Ms Kagiri said.

Other leaders who had accompanied Kiunjuri Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Mary Maingi (Mwea), and Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru).