Don’t muzzle Mt Kenya parties, MP Kiunjuri scoffs at Gachagua

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has told off former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he termed as plans to muzzle existing political parties in the Mt. Kenya region.

Speaking at Marmanet ward in Laikipia West constituency during the groundbreaking ceremony of Marmanet ESP market, Kiunjuri said he was aware of his attempts to suppress existing political outfits in favour of his newly-formed DCP.

He argued that the presence of multiple political parties in the region is healthy for democracy, as it ensures that leaders are elected based on their ability to deliver, not party affiliation.

"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,” he said.

“Let them form whatever they wish, but for us, our party is performance. It doesn’t matter what name your party has; what matters is your work.”

Kiunjuri, who is The Service Party leader, said calls to have everybody in the region onboard new parties do not guarantee development.

"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 stated.

Kiunjuri’s sentiments come amid calls by Gachagua to have Mt Kenya residents rally behind his newly formed DCP.

But, according to Kiunjuri, Gachagua should focus on popularising his party and stop interfering with the affairs of other parties.

The lawmaker said the calls to join the new party have nothing to do with inclusion or empowerment, but rather self-centred ambitions.

“You cannot be opposing empowerment programmes by the DP, yet you have nothing to show. If these programmes are happening in other regions, why not Mt Kenya?” he questioned.

Kiunjuri, at the same time, urged the residents to be careful when choosing leaders as the country heads to 2027, warning that poor political decisions could have serious consequences.

“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.”