Kuria to Mt Kenya: Our fights invited Opposition into government

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has asserted that these internal conflicts have inadvertently facilitated the Opposition’s rise to power. Speaking at a funeral in Githunguri, Kuria emphasized that the region’s leaders must first focus on uniting the people before attempting to unify their leadership.

Kuria’s comments came as a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved political squabbles. He highlighted that the region’s infighting has not only distracted from key issues but also created an environment where the Opposition could gain traction. “Don’t start a fight if you don’t know how you will win it and how you will end it,” Kuria warned. He likened the situation to a scenario where a person, after a few drinks, might provoke others without considering the potential repercussions, ultimately leading to their downfall.

The former CS urged the Mt Kenya leadership to adopt a strategic approach to overcoming their challenges. He argued that the region’s internal divisions have been a significant factor in the Opposition’s growing influence. Kuria suggested that the current focus should be on resolving these disputes and ensuring that stalled development projects, initiated under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, are completed.

The call for unity, according to Kuria, should not be limited to political leaders but should also encompass the general populace. He emphasized that the leaders must first address the disunity among the people of Mt Kenya before they can effectively lead and advocate for the region’s interests. “We need to unite the citizens before we can talk about uniting the leaders. Our focus should be on completing the stalled projects and ensuring that our road constructions and other developments continue without further delay,” he said.

The former CS’s remarks underscore a growing frustration among some leaders who feel that the ongoing conflicts are detrimental to the region’s progress. Kuria’s criticism is also a call to action for the Mt Kenya leaders to prioritize tangible achievements over political posturing. His focus on the stalled projects reflects a broader concern that political disputes have overshadowed the region’s development needs.

During the funeral service, which was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several Mt Kenya MPs, including Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), and Senator John Methu (Nyandarua), Kuria’s comments were met with mixed reactions. While some leaders echoed his sentiments, others remain focused on their political agendas.

Kuria’s remarks come at a time when the Mt Kenya region is grappling with various challenges, including incomplete infrastructure projects and a perceived lack of cohesive leadership. His call for a unified approach to both political and developmental issues reflects a desire to see the region overcome its current obstacles and move forward with a clear and unified vision.

As the region navigates its complex political landscape, the emphasis on unity and project completion presents a crucial opportunity for leaders to address pressing issues and work towards a more cohesive and prosperous future for Mt Kenya. Kuria’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning and collaborative efforts in achieving long-term success and stability.