Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has publicly distanced himself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In a strong statement, Wambugu accused Gachagua of attempting to control the political direction of the Mt Kenya region. He expressed concerns that Gachagua’s actions are undermining the region’s political freedom and diversity, potentially reverting to a one-party dominance reminiscent of Kenya’s past. This split comes ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both figures vying for influence in Central Kenya’s political landscape.
Mounting Tensions in Mt Kenya Politics
The political landscape in Mt Kenya is rapidly evolving, with tensions rising between key figures such as Wambugu and Gachagua. Wambugu, a former member of the Jubilee Party, criticized Gachagua for pushing a narrative that seeks to consolidate political power under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He argued that Gachagua’s efforts to impose a single political party on the region are harmful to the region’s democratic values.
Wambugu pointed out that in regions dominated by ODM, voter turnout tends to be lower due to a lack of competition. In contrast, Mt Kenya enjoys a high voter turnout due to the existence of multiple parties, which he sees as essential for preserving democracy.
Political Maturity and the Call for Freedom
Wambugu emphasized that Mt Kenya has grown politically, noting that the region should be free to decide its leaders without external pressure. He pointed out that the region’s political maturity is evident in the diversity of opinions and choices, which is essential for the democratic process. He said the efforts to control party affiliation and loyalty could undermine the region’s right to self-determination.
He added that while he supports President William Ruto’s government, he cannot support efforts to dictate how Mt Kenya should vote. He believes that the region should be able to choose its leaders freely, without being pressured into aligning with a single party.
The Rejection of UDA Monopoly
Wambugu criticized Gachagua’s ongoing campaign to consolidate Mt Kenya under UDA as an attempt to replay the failed strategies of the 2022 elections. He mentioned that some leaders lost their seats in 2022 not because of their abilities but due to the political waves created by dominant parties.
Wambugu expressed concerns that these attempts to impose a single party on the region could lead to the erasure of independent voices. He stated that the region should not return to the mistakes of 2022, where political allegiances were often dictated by party popularity rather than the will of the people.
Resisting Political Bullying
Wambugu’s concerns also center on what he views as Gachagua’s attempts to bully dissenting leaders into aligning with UDA. He accused Gachagua of using his position to silence leaders who support President Ruto but choose to remain independent from UDA. This, he argued, could alienate Mt Kenya from the national political conversation and damage the region’s relationship with other parts of the country.
Wambugu emphasized that even if a single party benefits him personally, it would not be fair to others. He strongly advocated for multiparty democracy, stressing that all voices should be heard and that the political freedom of the people must be preserved.
Criticism of Gachagua’s Tactics
Wambugu also criticized Gachagua’s aggressive tactics against leaders who deviate from UDA’s political line. He pointed out that Gachagua’s actions resembled those used against former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Wambugu argued that such tactics were harmful to the region’s development and called on Gachagua to focus on addressing the region’s needs rather than engaging in internal political battles.
He expressed concern that Gachagua’s attempts to undermine leaders who are not loyal to UDA could create a toxic political environment that would hinder progress in Mt Kenya.
Looking to the Future: Wambugu’s 2027 Plans
Despite the growing tension, Wambugu reaffirmed his support for President Ruto’s administration. However, he stressed that Mt Kenya must be allowed to freely engage with various political parties, without coercion or intimidation. He also revealed plans to run for the Nyeri Town seat again in 2027, rejecting suggestions that he must align with Gachagua or UDA to succeed.
Wambugu emphasized that the people of Mt Kenya should have the freedom to choose their leaders without being swept away by party waves. He expressed his belief that the 2027 election should be about the people’s decision, not about forced political loyalty.
