NAIVASHA, Kenya – President William Ruto-allied MPs held a one-day strategy meeting in Naivasha aimed at reclaiming dwindling support in the Mt Kenya region.
The closed-door session brought together key political lieutenants from the vote-rich Mt Kenya region to assess growing discontent and chart a political counteroffensive.
Sources say the leaders discussed grassroots re-engagement, messaging, and regional development concerns.
While the official statement avoided mention of Mt Kenya politics, insiders confirmed it dominated the agenda.
In their statement to the press, the over 40 Members of Parliament called for urgent investigations and arrests over the recent wave of violence and destruction witnessed during nationwide protests, vowing to defend their region’s economic stability and political freedom.
In a statement issued Thursday in Naivasha, the Mount Kenya Parliamentary Caucus condemned what they termed “reckless, selfish politics” that have led to the deaths of civilians, destruction of businesses, and disruption of livelihoods in the region.
“This is not the Kenya we want,” the MPs said. “No political grievance, however legitimate, should ever come at the cost of innocent lives.”
The lawmakers, drawn from counties across Central Kenya, accused unnamed political actors of inciting chaos, including attacks on key economic establishments that employ thousands of youth in the region.
“Why would anyone incite the burning of enterprises that feed our families? This sabotage tears down our own house,” the MPs said, referencing acts of arson and looting during the protests.
They demanded that perpetrators — both those on the ground and those allegedly funding or orchestrating the unrest — be prosecuted without exception.
“There can be no sacred cows. Kenya is a democracy governed by the rule of law. No one is above it.”
Pledge of Loyalty to Government
The MPs also reaffirmed their support for President William Ruto’s administration, saying the region freely chose to work with the Kenya Kwanza government in pursuit of development, unity and peace.
“Our people will work with whoever advances their interests and the national interest. We refuse to be boxed into ethnic or parochial politics.”
They pointed to ongoing national projects — including infrastructure upgrades, job creation initiatives, and agriculture support — as evidence that the region is already benefiting from government efforts.
“Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic. Mount Kenya will receive its fair share of development — and more.”
Warning Against Divisive Politics
Invoking the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki, the leaders warned against a return to the politics of hate speech and ethnic division that nearly derailed the country’s economic momentum in the past.
“We must learn from history. Never again shall we allow personal egos and dangerous rhetoric to burn down the very fabric that holds us together as a nation.”
They encouraged residents of Mount Kenya and across the country to reject fearmongering and destruction, urging peaceful, constructive political engagement instead.
Unity Message Amid Growing Rift
The statement comes amid growing tensions within the ruling coalition, with leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claiming political persecution.
However, the Mount Kenya MPs appeared to sidestep internal rifts, instead projecting unity and a common development agenda.
“We are here to ensure that the Mountain’s voice continues to be heard loud and clear — and that our people’s aspirations are met.”
They concluded with a rallying call for national unity:
“When Mount Kenya stands firm and united with the rest of Kenya, the whole nation stands stronger.”
