Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has come out strongly against what he termed as attempts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to suppress existing political parties in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Marmanet ESP market in Laikipia West constituency, Kiunjuri, who is also the leader of The Service Party (TSP), criticized Gachagua for allegedly pushing Mt Kenya leaders to align with his newly-formed Democratic Congress Party (DCP). He accused the former DP of seeking to dominate the region’s political landscape through forceful consolidation rather than merit.
Kiunjuri maintained that political diversity is essential for democracy, especially in Mt Kenya, where leaders have historically been elected based on their performance rather than party loyalty.
“We have always chosen our leaders based on their ability to serve us, not based on political parties. That is why we have no problem with people forming new parties,” Kiunjuri said. “Let them form whatever they wish, but for us, our party is performance.”
The former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary dismissed the notion that uniting behind a single party would automatically translate to development. Instead, he urged Mt Kenya residents to evaluate leaders based on their achievements and track record, not the name of their party.
“You cannot just come up with a party, call it anything, and expect people to vote for you. Kenyans should vote for leaders who deliver results, not those hiding behind party names we don’t even understand,” he added.
Kiunjuri further warned against political coercion, stating that Gachagua should focus on popularising his party without interfering with others. He characterized the push for regional political uniformity as driven by self-interest, not genuine empowerment.
He also cautioned Mt Kenya residents to be vigilant as the 2027 elections approach, warning that poor political decisions could lead to regret. “If you gamble with politics in 2027, you will find yourself gnashing your teeth after singing songs led by people who are formless and have no vision,” he said.
His remarks signal an emerging rift within Mt Kenya’s political class as leaders jostle for influence ahead of the next general election.
