Peter Munyiri: Ruto, Raila have massive support in Mt Kenya but Azimio has bright future

The poor leadership, corruption and wastage of resources are what I intend to end once I'm elected governor. I’m stepping in to solve the issues and implement what is needed.

With just seven months to the August general election, the Nyeri governor race is gradually taking shape with about four aspirants declaring their interest in unseating Governor Mutahi Kahiga.

Those who have declared interest in the seat include Peter Munyiri, policy and planning expert, engineer Wahome Mwangi (Wamatinga), industrialist Thuo Mathenge and the incumbent.

In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with the Star, Munyiri prides himself on his past accomplishments in the financial sector, where he says he had a sterling track record.

Munyiri says he is the best placed to carry on with the vision of the late Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru.

He speaks to the Star's Amos Njau and Julius Otieno about his bid, the new alignments and Mt Kenya unity.

Tell us about yourself 

My name is Peter Munyiri, former group managing director of Family Bank of Kenya.

I was born and raised in Nyeri county, Kiamariga village, in Mathira constituency.

During my tenure as Family Bank MD, I managed to change it to be Kenya's fastest-growing bank and created its new business model anchored on key growth pillars.

Before working for Family Bank, I had worked at KCB as deputy group CEO in charge of bank business divisions, branches, treasury and subsidiaries in South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda Rwanda and Burundi.

I also served as general manager of Cooperative Bank of Kenya responsible for several operations and divisions, including cooperatives. I was also a senior manager at Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank. 

I'm also a retired church elder, retired church deacon and previously treasurer at Christ is the Answer Ministries; I'm known for strong faith in God, born again and bold leadership that delivers positive change for the benefit of the people. 

The late Wahome Gakuru had a vision for this great county but after his death, his vision and priorities were abandoned and that is the gap I’m seeking to fill and liberate our people.

Tell us about your educational background 

I’m a graduate of Oxford University (Executive leadership programme), World Bank Training (Washington DC), INSEAD Business School, France, and an alumnus of the University of Nairobi.

I'm also a graduate of Jomo Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, MBA, Associate Chartered Institute of Bankers (UK) Fellow Kenya Institute of Bankers, Certified Executive Leadership coach (International Coaching Federation (UK) and trained and certified in Good Corporate Governance.

What drives you to be governor?

One, I was born and raised in Nyeri and I always feel bad due to the level of poverty despite the county having a lot of resources to transform the lives of our people.

The poor leadership, corruption and wastage of resources are what I intend to end once I'm elected governor. I’m stepping in to solve the issues and implement what is needed.

If you want to run the county well. You must take the lessons of those who failed. I have studied both administrations and I know how they were structured and where the issues and corruption came in.

The county leadership needs a sober leader who can understand what the people need at a given time but not a dictator.

The late Wahome Gakuru had a vision for this great county but after his death, his vision and priorities were abandoned and that is the gap I’m seeking to fill and liberate our people.

Secondly, the people of Nyeri are the ones who will decide who will be the next governor and I’m sure they will support my candidature.

Nyeri has a lot of untapped resources that can transform it and make it great. Having a lot of connections in various sectors, I will push for public-private partnerships.

When you get residents involved, there will be huge accountability because it is their money and their projects. I am not coming with magic to solve Nyeri problems. I want to use the best of their potential and work together as a unit.

My work as governor will be as a facilitator and to make sure we have the resources and the accountability. Mine will not be a one-man show.

What do you intend to do once elected? 

On employment, I will make sure that work and contracts will only be given to the people of Nyeri and not reach out to friends.

I will ensure that the technical institutes will be revamped and our people get skills and ensure that they can do tasks instead of outsourcing from other counties.

I am so ready for the job. Divisive politics is not my game. I will not do anything for the people of Nyeri if I engage in divisive politics. All I want is to do away with inequalities and change lives for the better. 

On healthcare, I will ensure that our health facilities are well equipped and have medicines.

Also, I will market Nyeri as a tourism hub and the county will earn revenue from it; our youths will get job opportunities once we open more avenues.

I will create job opportunities for the youth and ensure they have equal opportunity annually to get employment in the great the county.

My administration will set up investments platforms where small and medium-sized enterprises will explore and excel in their ventures.

Take an example of Makueni county, Governor Kivutha Kibwana has been transforming the lives of his people through the promotion of industries and drilling of boreholes and this is what is needed in our county.

How do you plan to outdo all the other aspirants in the race?

This is interesting. I'm not joining the Nyeri gubernatorial race to compete with others, my bid is to transform the lives of our people. It’s the people who will decide on who is the best to be the next governor.

Politics is a game and there must be a winner and a loser. However, I don’t believe in losing. I have done my homework well and I know what they need.

I think people of Nyeri already know who can take them to the Promised Land and they know those who are seeking their votes to benefit themselves and their cartels and those who genuinely care for their needs.

I believe the people of Nyeri will be able to make that decision, and I am hopeful I will be that person.

The two are enjoying the [region's] support. For Raila Odinga, you can see the Azimio wheel is still rotating and gaining momentum and you should watch out.

What do you think about the recent defections in Mt Kenya and your party of choice?

I think I’m the most straightforward candidate in Kenya and I must lead by example but not hide your card wondering what might happen.

I have already made my choice to vie on the Party of National Unity (PNU).

It’s the party that former President Mwai Kibaki built and used to bring peace across Kenya. Besides, I'm sure the people will concentrate on individual potential and not a party.

Further, PNU stands for peace and that is what motivated me to join the party.

Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya are flying the party banner on the national level while other aspirants are marketing on a grassroots level.

PNU is the party to watch and I'm sure I will fly its flag high as the next governor.

Secondly, there is nothing like a UDA wave in Mt Kenya. We have Azimio, which we are supporting, and things are looking bright and no one can dispute that. The people of Mt Kenya are going to elect leaders based on their capacity to improve their livelihoods. 

Our people are going to elect governors, senators, MPs and MCAs based on their merits.

PNU will give a rough time to the so-called big parties. We are determined to ensure Kenyans can uplift themselves.

Do you think President Uhuru Kenyatta has failed the people of Mt Kenya?

President Uhuru Kenyatta was elected by all tribes in Kenya and thus we should appreciate the fact that he has united the people through the handshake with the former prime minister.

President Kenyatta wasn’t meant to show dominance in Mt Kenya as he was elected by all tribes.

Those claiming that he has failed his people are mistaken. Remember, President Kibaki was also fought during his last term so Kenyans should ignore this kind of talk.

We as the people of Mt Kenya love Uhuru Kenyatta and appreciate his effort in terms of development.

Between Raila and Ruto, who do you think is making a killing in Mt Kenya?

Mt Kenya will not field a presidential candidate in August. This is a fact and thus the battle will be between Raila Odinga and William Ruto.

The two are enjoying the [region's] support. For Raila Odinga, you can see the Azimio wheel is still rotating and gaining momentum and you should watch out.

Raila and Ruto are the people to beat in the Mt Kenya region where they both enjoy massive support.

In the next few months, the people of Mt Kenya will have made a decision on who to support and as you know, the region is known to speak in one voice. They will make their stand known.

Surprises are always possible so I predict a surprise. Once the people from the Mountain speak, they make sure they are heard so I think Azimio has a bright future ahead.