Ndenderu Member of County Assembly (MCA) David Mwaura sustained serious injuries on Monday after being assaulted by a group of youths during a public event. The violent incident took place during the launch of the Kiambaa Technical Institute’s construction, an event that had drawn numerous leaders and members of the public.
Mwaura, a vocal supporter of the ‘One Man, One Vote, One Shilling’ revenue-sharing formula advocated by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, found himself at the center of controversy. The proposed formula aims to allocate state resources based on population, a stance that Gachagua argues is the fairest method given the high population density and significant voter contribution of the Mt. Kenya region.
The attack on Mwaura was brutal. Eyewitnesses and a video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke show tens of individuals clobbering the MCA, who was left with injuries to his head, ribs, and legs. Mwaura recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “I was hit in the ribs and the head. I was pushed to the ground, beaten on the legs, and stomped on while lying on the ground.” He was subsequently rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
The event was notable for the attendance of 11 Members of Parliament from Kiambu County, including prominent figures such as Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah. Despite the high-profile presence, tensions were palpable, reflecting the deep divisions over the revenue-sharing formula.
Gachagua’s push for the ‘One Man, One Vote, One Shilling’ policy has been met with substantial opposition. Critics argue that the formula is inherently divisive and threatens national unity. They contend that it unfairly benefits populous regions like Mt. Kenya at the expense of less populated areas, thereby exacerbating regional inequalities.
Mwaura’s attack underscores the heated and often dangerous nature of political discourse in Kenya. As the debate over resource allocation continues, it highlights the challenges leaders face in balancing regional interests with the overarching goal of national cohesion.
Deputy President Gachagua maintains that the proposed formula is essential for fair resource distribution, pointing out that Mt. Kenya’s significant voter turnout and population should translate into a proportionate share of state resources. However, this view is not universally shared, even within the Mt. Kenya region, where some leaders warn that such a policy could fracture the country’s unity.
As Mwaura recovers from his injuries, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatility surrounding the issue. It calls for a more measured and inclusive approach to discussing and implementing policies that affect the nation’s fabric.
The path forward requires dialogue and compromise, ensuring that all regions feel fairly represented and that national unity remains intact. The incident at the Kiambaa Technical Institute is a somber example of the perils of political division and the urgent need for reconciliation and understanding in Kenya’s political landscape.
