- MP Mwangi Kiunjuri emphasized that the Nyahururu Declaration, which includes 16 key points, has been misunderstood by some people, noting that the meeting was for regional growth and prosperity.
- The Laikipia East MP noted that while Gachagua’s role in politics is recognised, the declaration and the subsequent regional caucus are issue-based rather than politically driven.
Image: FILE
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has addressed recent debates surrounding the Nyahururu Declaration and the roles of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki in the Mount Kenya region’s political landscape.
In an interview with Inooro TV on Monday, Kiunjuri addressed misconceptions and outlined the strategic focus of the recent declaration aimed at regional development.
Kiunjuri emphasized that the Nyahururu Declaration, which includes 16 key points, has been misunderstood, noting that the meeting was for regional growth and prosperity.
He expressed frustration that discussions have centred on Kindiki, overshadowing the broader goals of the declaration.
He clarified that the declaration was not intended to undermine Gachagua but to address specific regional issues and promote development.
“The Nyahururu Declaration was not about any individual, and it was not funded by anyone as it was speculated, we paid for our bills; we had met in Machakos, Kiambu, a few months ago, so the Nyahururu meeting wasn’t the first sitting, the meeting was issue-based, aimed at uniting regional leadership for development,” he explained.
Kiunjuri noted that while Gachagua’s role in politics is recognised, the declaration and the subsequent regional caucus are issue-based rather than politically driven.
“We decided to let the Deputy President continue with the politics of unity he has perfected, while CS Kindiki focuses on coordinating the development of the Mountain region,” Kiunjuri said.
He added that the declaration’s primary aim was to unify regional leadership for development purposes, not to sideline any individual.
Kiunjuri further explained that Kindiki was selected not as a political leader but as a technical person to facilitate development discussions and to act as a link between the people of Mount and the president.
“Kindiki’s role is not that of a kingpin but a link. The caucus aims to ensure that all elected leaders have an equal opportunity to lobby for their areas, avoiding the perception of favouritism,” he said.
Kiunjuri also pointed out that while Gachagua is welcome to lead discussions, there have been no recent meetings or effective communication from his end regarding Mount Kenya issues.
“Attempts to convene meetings with the Deputy President have been thwarted. If there are issues, they need quick resolution rather than getting caught up in personal politics,” he added.
The MP highlighted the caucus’s focus on budget allocation and common messaging on government projects, emphasizing that politics should be kept separate from developmental discussions.
“With only two budgets remaining before the next election, our priority is to ensure that Mount Kenya’s issues are addressed in these budgets rather than engaging in individual disputes,” Kiunjuri said.
He also acknowledged the impact of Raila Odinga’s entry into the government, noting that the region must prepare its joint issues ahead of potential constitutional changes.
“The broad-based government’s push for the NADCO report may lead to a referendum. Mount Kenya must be prepared with a unified position on these changes,” Kiunjuri concluded.