Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri on Monday pointed out that Mt Kenya has a unique opportunity to push for development projects due to the number of high-ranking officials from the region in the government.
Speaking on a local vernacular television (Inooro TV) Kiunjuri emphasized that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has the authority to advocate for Mt Kenya’s share of national resources through appropriate government channels rather than airing grievances publicly.
“We have the Deputy President from our region, along with the Majority Leader, Chief Justice, and cabinet secretaries among others. Instead of criticising the government why not convene a meeting with these leaders to address these issues?” Kiunjuri asked.
The MP questioned the need for public outcry when the individuals involved in pushing for the agenda, possess the power to initiate meaningful change through official channels.
“The motion on one man, one vote and one shilling can be brought through the cabinet meetings which he (Gachagua) chairs, second through a referendum, and third through MPs. The individuals speaking out publicly are part of that cabinet and have the power to initiate a constitutional review. What exactly are they trying to communicate? This is mere political activism,” Kiunjuri said.
Kiunjuri urged for a constructive promotion of the debate on the “One Man, One Vote, One Shilling” formula, ensuring it does not alienate Mt Kenya from other regions.
He clarified that he hasn’t been fighting Gachagua terming him a senior Mount Kenya politician.
He called on Mount Kenya leaders to forge a unity of purpose for the sake of growth and development of the region.
“I have been very vocal about the issues affecting the Mount Kenya region and I would like to make it clear that I’m not fighting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, he is the senior politician in the region as we speak, “Kiunjuri said.
He noted that the continuous fights in the Mount Kenya region aren’t healthy adding that the unity of the region should be given priority.
Gachagua has recently been at the centre of debate due to his push for the one man, one vote, and one shilling model proposed in the Building Bridges Initiative.
Over the weekend, he accused some Rift Valley leaders of sowing discord in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking in Uasin Gishu County, he alleged that these leaders, purportedly close to President William Ruto, were meddling in the region’s political matters.
“The issue lies with a few leaders from this region (Rift Valley) who have close ties to the President. They are the ones stirring up politics in our region (Mt. Kenya),” Gachagua said.
By Mpasho