Senior Advocate Wahome Thuku has sparked fresh debate in Mt Kenya politics after a blunt Facebook post questioning how development projects are perceived and sold to voters in Nyeri County.
In his remarks, Thuku took aim at the Nyeri Senator, accusing him of misleading residents into believing he is personally responsible for national government development projects in the county.
Thuku noted that the Senator has positioned himself as the political patron of four Members of Parliament allied to President William Ruto, popularly nicknamed Kasongo, as well as the county’s Woman Representative.
According to the lawyer, this narrative has gained ground despite the clear constitutional role of a senator, which does not include initiating or funding development projects.
He reminded the public that senators are mandated to legislate on matters affecting counties, determine revenue allocation to county governments, and represent counties at the Senate — not oversee national government projects on the ground.
However, Thuku observed that many Nyeri residents genuinely believe the Senator is the driving force behind visible projects, particularly in two constituencies whose MPs have shifted political allegiance to the Wamunyoro camp.
Thuku argued that the Senator has convinced locals that development is being delivered directly from the President, portraying himself and allied MPs as special envoys sent to “bring maendeleo” to the people.
This, he said, has created the impression that the Senator has been “left in charge” of development matters, despite having no development budget or executive authority.
The advocate expressed frustration that even sustained civic education would struggle to change this mindset.
In his view, the political culture in the region has normalised the personalization of development, making it difficult for citizens to distinguish between constitutional roles and political messaging.
Thuku warned that such misconceptions weaken accountability and entrench misinformation, as leaders are rewarded for projects they neither planned nor funded.
His comments come at a time when Mt Kenya politics is increasingly fragmented, with shifting alliances, rivalry between Gachagua and Ruto, and growing competition over who controls the region’s political narrative.
The debate raises broader questions about political honesty, civic awareness, and how development is used as a tool for influence rather than accountability.
By Newshub