Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has strongly opposed calls for Mt Kenya leaders to rally behind a single political party, insisting that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees multiparty democracy and political freedom.
Speaking on Sunday at the National Independent Church of Africa, St-Peter Kaunjira, Muturi dismissed the idea of consolidating the region under one party, saying it goes against the principles of democracy enshrined in the Constitution.
“We need honest leaders. Our Constitution says Kenya shall be a multiparty democratic state. You have the right and freedom to start your own party, but when you do, don’t start abusing others,” Muturi said.
Citing Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to belong to any political party of their choice, Muturi stressed that no leader has the authority to dictate which party citizens should support. He maintained that he cannot be part of any arrangement that seeks to confine the Mt Kenya region to one political formation.
“I’ve heard some of you suggest that people from Mt Kenya should only rally behind one party. Never. Let me be clear, that is a firm No!” he declared.
Muturi, who exited the Cabinet after falling out with President William Ruto, warned that forcing political uniformity would erode the democratic space Kenyans fought hard to achieve. Instead, he urged leaders to respect differing political opinions and focus on serving the people.
His remarks come at a time when debates around Mt Kenya’s political direction are intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections. A section of leaders, including former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, have argued that the region needs its own party to safeguard its interests.
Ngunjiri recently lamented that despite Mt Kenya’s overwhelming support for the Kenya Kwanza coalition in 2022, the region has little to show for it due to the absence of a binding agreement. He believes a regional party would give Mt Kenya stronger bargaining power in future political negotiations.
Muturi’s rejection of the one-party idea highlights the growing divisions among Mt Kenya leaders, with the debate likely to shape the region’s political strategy as the country heads toward the next general election.
