Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga has urged Mt. Kenya residents to rally behind President William Ruto and elected leaders in advancing grassroots development.
Speaking at the Kabiruini Showground in Nyeri during a prayer meeting, Njenga refuted claims that the region had distanced itself from the Kenya Kwanza administration following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“The region remains united with the government,” Njenga declared. “Contrary to rumors of mass defections, only one individual has parted ways with Kenya Kwanza.”
Njenga stressed the importance of collaboration between the youth and government leaders to realize development goals.
Dubbed the “Kabiruini Declaration,” the prayer meeting marked a commitment by Mt. Kenya youth to work closely with the current administration to safeguard resources like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and ensure community progress.
Using the metaphor of a Mugumo tree—a symbol of resilience in Kikuyu culture—Njenga dismissed the notion that one leader’s defection signaled political instability in the region.
“If one branch of a Mugumo tree falls, it doesn’t mean the whole tree is down,” he remarked, rallying residents to focus on unity and progress.
Njenga also took aim at Gachagua, criticizing his inability to revitalize the coffee and tea industries, pillars of the region’s economy.
The former leader expressed optimism about the growing political synergy between President Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“You recently saw the President visit Uhuru in Gatundu. Several cabinet secretaries were named afterward, and we believe this new unity will steer the region forward,” Njenga added.
The youth at the Kabiruini gathering voiced frustrations over Gachagua’s unfulfilled promises, pointing to his cancellation of a similar prayer meeting last year as evidence of waning political influence.
