Ndia MP: Kirinyaga is not a colony of any other Mt Kenya county
Ndia MP George Kariuki has come out strongly, declaring that Kirinyaga County will not be swayed by external political influences, insisting that it must carve out its own independent political path rather than blindly following the direction set by leaders from other counties.
Speaking during a public gathering on Monday, March 31, 2025, Kariuki issued a bold statement rejecting any attempts to impose political decisions on Kirinyaga, asserting that the county would not be treated as a subordinate entity within Mt. Kenya’s broader political framework.
He took direct aim at what he described as a pattern of leaders from neighbouring counties attempting to dictate Kirinyaga’s political direction, warning that such interference would not be entertained.
“We cannot simply follow people from other regions without questioning whether they truly have our best interests at heart. Let me be very clear—Kirinyaga is not a colony of any other Mt. Kenya county. We will not just sit back while leaders from elsewhere decide for us where we should go or what political choices we should make,” Kariuki asserted.
The legislator further lamented that, in recent times, Kirinyaga residents had found themselves being instructed by politicians from other counties on how they should align themselves politically, a trend he said was both disrespectful and unacceptable.
He singled out leaders from Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kiambu, making it clear that Kirinyaga had both the right and the capacity to determine its own course without being coerced.
“We have said it before, and we will say it again—we will not accept this. The people of Kirinyaga have their own agenda, their own aspirations, and their own interests to protect. We will forge a path that benefits us, not one dictated by outsiders. We will not allow a leader from Murang’a to come here and tell us how to align ourselves politically. Nor will we entertain someone from Nyeri or Kiambu, assuming they have the authority to instruct us on where to stand. Let those in Nyeri, Kiambu, and Meru focus on their own political journeys and leave Kirinyaga to make its own decisions,” he added.
Kariuki went on to emphasise that Kirinyaga leaders were fully capable of negotiating for their own share of development resources and political representation without having to rely on directives from elsewhere.
He pointed out that the county had played a significant role in past elections and should, therefore, not be reduced to merely following political instructions from external figures.
“For far too long, we have allowed others to dictate our path, yet we have the numbers, the influence, and the power to determine our own future. We refuse to be passengers in our own journey. The people of Kirinyaga must stand firm and demand what is rightfully ours,” he said, receiving applause from supporters.
He further warned that political alliances should be built on mutual respect and shared interests rather than coercion, urging Kirinyaga residents to remain vigilant against leaders who sought to use them as mere pawns in a larger political game.
“Politics is about representation and negotiation. If we follow blindly, we will always end up with the short end of the stick. We must ask ourselves—are we being led in a direction that benefits us, or are we simply being used to further someone else’s agenda?” Kariuki posed.
Mt Kenya tour
The Ndia legislator’s remarks come as the head of state prepares to embark on his much-anticipated tour of the Mt. Kenya region on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Preparations have been in high gear, and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, who hails from the county, on Sunday, February 28, 2025, met grassroots leaders from the Tharaka Nithi to strategise on ensuring that the president is accorded a dignified welcome when the Muthomi Njuki-led county rolls out the red carpet for him.
During the gathering, which Kindiki insisted was primarily focused on assessing development projects, he also took the opportunity to set the stage for Ruto’s visit, imploring locals not to follow the example of communities that have recently heckled the Head of State.
According to Kindiki, if the county continues to show unwavering support for the president during this politically sensitive period, it will reap significant developmental rewards, as he [Kindiki] would personally champion their interests before Ruto.
“Show me by a show of hands those who are sending me to speak to the President. Before he arrives, we have work to do. Some claimed I dislike coming home—what will they say now? Because I will be here almost every other week,” he declared, reinforcing his commitment to remaining deeply engaged with his home region.
Ruto’s tour of the area comes hot on the heels of his Nairobi region tour, where he drew massive crowds and lavished residents with grand promises—both on what he has achieved and what he plans to deliver.
However, his Mt. Kenya visit is clouded with uncertainty, as his recent trip to neighbouring Isiolo County ended in chaos, with locals booing him off the stage, forcing him to cut short his speech and make a swift exit.
Moreover, since Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, the Mt Kenya region has been deeply divided, with a significant faction that previously backed Ruto solely due to Gachagua now shifting their allegiance elsewhere.
