Ndia MP George Kariuki addresses residents during his consultation tour in Mt Kenya. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]
Ndia MP George Kariuki has called for a new political approach in Mt Kenya, warning residents against leaders he accuses of using insults, ethnic rhetoric and divisive politics as the region seeks to secure its interests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kariuki accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Ruku of pursuing what he described as efforts to divide the Mt Kenya region while dismissing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political style as unsuitable for a region seeking to strengthen its relationships with other communities.
He urged Mt Kenya residents to reject leaders whose politics, in his view, damage the region’s relationship with the rest of the country and instead support leaders who can unite the community and advance national cohesion.
“Some leaders, instead of telling us how they will help the region, their work is to insult others. Such leaders, as a community from the region, should not be given any chance to grow politically because as they rise, they are destroying our relationship with other regions and other communities. They are destroying our region and our country,” Kariuki said.
He said the region should elevate leaders capable of advancing development rather than those who exploit ethnic emotions for political gain.
“We want a leader who can unite. We don’t want tribal leaders and those who are poisoning our children and parents. We want leaders who are talking about bettering the lives of Kenyans,” he added.
Kariuki was speaking during his ongoing 90-day consultation with residents and leaders from across Mt Kenya, which he launched at his home in Gacharu, Kirinyaga County, to gather views on the region’s political future.