Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has cautioned leaders from the Mt. Kenya region against engaging in power squabbles, warning that it would be detrimental to development in the region.
Speaking in Nanyuki, Kiunjuri said that the current push and pull over kingship may leave the region not only divided, but also underdeveloped.
“What are we fighting for, why fight the government we voted for? We are the biggest noise makers yet we were in the front line when this government was elected. If we don’t support this government as a region, what will those who didn’t vote for the government say?” he posed.
Kiunjuri said that although the Finance Act, 2023 imposes more taxes other regions are not making as much noise.
“Is Mt. Kenya the only region paying taxes? Other regions are uniting and lobbying for development from the government. They meet, they unite, and you will rarely hear any of them complain about tax. They know what they are doing.
The legislator said generalising Mt Kenya as rebels of the government will not help, as the region is heavily benefitting from the current administration.
“If you have a problem with the administration, say it is you but do not give the impression it is Mt Kenya region,” he said.
Kiunjuri was speaking during the launch of boda boda riders training in Nanyuki, a programme that is sponsored by Laikipia East NG-CDF.
On March 4, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga said it was ironic for Mt Kenya lawmakers to complain about the Finance Act 2023.
Raila said it was hypocritical for Kenya Kwanza MPs to oppose the implementation of a bill they overwhelmingly supported.
"Recently, they brought a finance Bill that introduced new taxes, and we gave instructions to our members of ODM to oppose it because it was oppressive. It was introducing excessive taxation on our people, including our farmers," Raila said.
The move by the government to introduce an agricultural tax has caused some bad blood with farmers in Mt Kenya, who have threatened to reduce the support the Kenya Kwanza administration enjoys in the region.
Locals accuse their leaders of doing little to protect them. MPs in the region have been at pains to explain how they passed the Finance Act, 2023.