Former Bahati Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri has spoken out against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s narrow political focus on Central Kenya, commonly referred to as “Mlima politics.” While dismissing claims that he has abandoned Gachagua, Ngunjiri emphasized that he disagrees with the Deputy President’s approach and believes it risks alienating other regions of the country.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on April 23, Ngunjiri clarified that he and Gachagua remain on good terms, but he cannot support a strategy that he sees as ethnically divisive.
“It’s not that I’ve left Gachagua, but I disagree with some of his politics,” he said. “When he says this party is for ‘Mlima,’ I don’t want to be part of that.”
Ngunjiri, who hails from Nakuru in the Rift Valley, urged Gachagua to widen his political reach by engaging communities outside of the Mt. Kenya region. He suggested visiting areas like Nyanza and Rift Valley to build a more inclusive political image.
“People want to see you. Even if you’re stoned there, it’s better politically. It shows that some people oppose you. But when you’re rejected in your own backyard, that’s a bigger problem,” Ngunjiri remarked.
He also stressed the importance of inclusive communication, particularly in ethnically diverse areas such as Nakuru. Ngunjiri explained that he avoids using only the Kikuyu language in public forums, opting instead for a multilingual approach that includes Kisii and Kalenjin.
“There are more Kikuyus outside Central Kenya. In Nakuru, I can’t even spend an hour speaking just Kikuyu,” he said.
Ngunjiri revealed that his caution stems from the painful memories of the 2007/08 post-election violence, during which he lost 14 family members. That experience, he said, drives his resistance to ethnically-charged politics.
“When you tell me to focus on one language for years, it’s hard. I don’t want to be accused of inciting people it could endanger my family,” he added.
His recent absence from Gachagua’s rallies, including key events in Naivasha, has sparked speculation about a fallout, especially as Gachagua intensifies efforts to solidify Mt. Kenya support ahead of the 2027 elections
