Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri has downplayed the much-anticipated political declaration by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing it as theatrics with little to no impact on the region’s political future. Kiunjuri’s comments, made during an interview on Inooro TV, come amid speculation about a political shift in Central Kenya, with many expecting Gachagua’s announcement to disrupt the status quo in the region.
Gachagua, who has increasingly been vocal in his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, is widely expected to make a significant political announcement this month. Many believe this could signal the formation of a new political party, potentially targeting Ruto’s allies in the region and fueling divisions within the Mt. Kenya voting bloc. The former Deputy President’s efforts have raised concerns about the potential destabilization of the region’s political unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kiunjuri, however, questioned the impact of another party being launched in the region. He noted that the region has already seen the rise and fall of several parties, including PNU under President Kibaki, Jubilee, and UDA under Ruto. “People will ask, what will this new party achieve that others haven’t? It’s not parties that deliver—it’s the people themselves,” Kiunjuri remarked.
He also criticized Gachagua’s focus on rallying electoral losers, questioning their ability to bring about meaningful change in the region. “You cannot parade electoral losers without explaining why they lost or how they plan to address past failures,” Kiunjuri said. His remarks reflect a growing sense of skepticism regarding the effectiveness of Gachagua’s approach in galvanizing the electorate.
Kiunjuri further expressed concerns about the direction the region is heading politically, warning that continued tensions and anger could lead to the election of poor leadership in 2027. “If this anger persists and voters make emotional decisions, we could end up with far worse leaders than we already have,” he cautioned.
Gachagua’s declaration, which promises to reshape the political landscape of Mt. Kenya, is expected to be a major political event. However, Kiunjuri’s response highlights the growing unease surrounding the future of politics in Central Kenya, as regional divisions continue to deepen.
