Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has called on the Mt Kenya region to uphold political independence, reject dictatorship, and embrace issue-based leadership.
Speaking on Monday night during an interview on Inooro FM’s Keera show hosted by Nderitu Waihura, Wambugu delivered a candid message urging the region to move away from politics driven by emotion and political waves.
Wambugu emphasized that Mt Kenya must not allow itself to be reduced to a one-party region or fall into a style of politics similar to ODM’s, where “Raila is the law and the law is Raila.” He stated, “Mt Kenya is too independent for that. We must allow a diversity of voices and avoid being dictated by one party or one leader.”
He defended the continued existence of historical political parties in the region such as the Democratic Party (DP), Party of National Unity (PNU), and Jubilee Party, all of which have played a key role in previous presidential victories. “These parties have experience in winning general elections. Why would we want to kill them? If we dismantle all our parties and Ruto and Gachagua come together, will Mt Kenya still have an alternative voice?” he posed.
Wambugu acknowledged the political weight Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua carries in the region but insisted that leadership must be corrected when it goes astray. “Gachagua is a powerful force in Mt Kenya, which is why we must have the courage to correct him. Party dictatorship cannot and will not work here,” he said, adding that Gachagua must be open to other parties coexisting now and in the future.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2022 general election, Wambugu said the region had learned valuable lessons. “We made mistakes by electing individuals based on emotions and waves. In 2027, I believe the people of Mt Kenya will be more intentional and elect leaders with proven track records.”
He concluded by encouraging a more respectful and strategic political culture in the region: “We must move away from the politics of chest-thumping. We need to be persuasive, engaging, and focused on building unity and delivering results.”
Wambugu’s remarks were widely interpreted as a call to safeguard Mt Kenya’s political future by promoting maturity, accountability, and open democratic space.
