In a political landscape where trust and loyalty are paramount, the Nyahururu Declarationโan unprecedented decision by certain MPs from Mt. Kenya and the diaspora to elect Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as their link to the Presidentโhas raised eyebrows.
This move, while seemingly benign, is a subtle yet sharp blow, not only to Majority Leader Kimani Ichungโwah but also to CS Kithure Kindiki.
First, it is important to clarify that this is not a personal attack on either Ichungโwah or Kindiki.
Their political acumen is undeniable. In fact, they have been role models for many, including myself, as we ventured into elective politics.
However, when a man is thrust into the political pitch as the ball, we must play the gameโmay the best team win, but woe unto the ball (Kindiki).
The Nyahururu Declaration has caused more harm than good, especially to Ichungโwah. A man entrusted to lead government business has, knowingly or unknowingly, through his MP followers, delegated his mandate to an appointee of the President.
How can leaders who are directly elected by such a vast electorate delegate their representative power to a non-elected Cabinet Secretary, especially when their own colleague, Ichungโwah, meets the President daily?
This declaration inadvertently amounts to a vote of no confidence in Ichungโwah and those who endorsed it. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
The Nyahururu Declaration suggests that these MPs are not listening to wisdom or the electorate (ground) but are acting out of misguided self-interest. Moreover, this decision is perplexing given the accessibility of President William Ruto, a leader well known for his open-door policy.
Why would MPs feel the need to appoint a middleman to reach a President who is more approachable than any weโve seen in recent history? By appointing Kindiki as the โlink,โ are these MPs not implying that Ichungโwah is incompetent in representing them effectively, or worse, that the President himself is unresponsive?
I am particularly disappointed with the legislators from Kiambu who were part of this declaration. Kiambu, a county with 1.25 million votes, has effectively handed over its political power to an unelected man from a county with just 231,000 votes.
If my Kiambu MPs truly felt the need for an intermediary, why not suggest former CS Moses Kuria, a man from Kiambu who has been appointed as an advisor to the President? But they couldnโt do that because there is a deeper, more sinister undertone to this declarationโone that should not be ignored.
The MPs who endorsed this decision are the same ones who voted โYesโ to the controversial Finance Bill, a bill that sparked nationwide uproar. Are they now concealing their true intentionsโintentions aimed at dethroning Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the de facto uniting figure for Mt. Kenya?
Rigathiโs popularity and call for unity among the Mlima people have caused anxiety, prompting these MPs to hatch a plan to divide Mt. Kenya into smaller regionsโa move that would shift the balance of power in Mt. Kenya politics and dilute Rigathiโs influence.
It’s hypocritical to accuse the Deputy President of discussing the unity of the mountain and ‘kingpinship’ while at the same time holding conferences and workshops to declare the same unity of the mountain.
These same MPs have gone ahead to install Kindiki as a kingpin. In essence, they agree with the DP that unity of the mountain is paramount and that it requires a kingpinโit only seems to be a problem when the DP is the one saying it.
Meanwhile, Kindiki should take note of the experience of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. The same Nyahururu declarants had once proposed Nyoro as the next kingpin, only to drop him along the way. Now, he is dusting himself off as he attempts to regroup.
This is a lesson that Kindiki should keep in mindโpolitical loyalty can be fleeting, and those who are celebrated today may find themselves abandoned tomorrow.
Iโm not Mutahi Ngunyi, nor am I a fortune teller, but it appears that these MPs are being used in a larger scheme, perhaps even to attempt the impeachment of the Deputy Presidentโnot because he has broken any laws, but, as US Representative Al Green once said about Donald Trump, “Iโm concerned if we donโt impeach this president, he will get re-elected.”
Could this be whatโs on their minds? Country music legend Elvis Presley once said, “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.” The actions of these MPs are a prelude to something much larger, and their true intentions will soon come to light.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains the de facto leader of Mt. Kenya, as well as the principal assistant to the President, pursuant to the will of over 7 million voters.
Kindiki, on the other hand, remains an appointee of the presidencyโassuming Gen Z wonโt make a comeback. In conclusion, the Nyahururu Declaration was more than just a symbolic gesture.
It was a calculated move that undermines the very fabric of representative democracy. Ichungโwah and Kindiki have scored an own goal, while Gachagua continues to enjoy unwavering supportโnot only in Mt. Kenya but across the country.
It is time for the people of Mt. Kenya to reflect on the actions of their leaders. The vision for Mt. Kenya’s political future must not be lost amidst the chaos of self-serving political maneuvers.”
The author is the Senator of Kiambu Hon. Karungo wa Thangโwa.