MERU, Kenya – Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has dismissed calls for leaders from the Mt Kenya region to unite under a single political party, insisting that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees multiparty democracy.
Speaking at the National Independent Church of Africa, St-Peter Kaunjira, Muturi said no leader has the authority to dictate which political party any Kenyan should support.
“Our Constitution says Kenya shall be a multiparty democratic state. Every citizen has the right to belong to a political party of their choice under Article 38, and no one can take that away from you,” he stated.
“Firm No” to Political Uniformity
Muturi, who exited Cabinet after a fallout with President William Ruto, criticised those pushing for political uniformity in the region, arguing that such calls undermine the spirit of democracy.
“I’ve heard some of you suggest that people from Mt Kenya should only rally behind one party. Never. Let me be clear, that is a firm No!” he declared.
The former CS added that while citizens are free to form political parties, they must not use that freedom to abuse or undermine others.
Mt Kenya Political Debate Ahead of 2027
Muturi’s remarks come amid an intensifying debate in the Mt Kenya region over political realignments ahead of the next general election.
A section of leaders is pushing for the region to establish a single political party to consolidate bargaining power.
Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has been among those lobbying for a regional outfit, arguing that Mt Kenya entered the Kenya Kwanza coalition without a formal agreement, leaving it politically shortchanged despite overwhelming support in 2022.
Muturi, however, maintained that Kenya’s political diversity is enshrined in law, and leaders should respect divergent opinions rather than attempt to force unity under one banner.
