Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has challenged political leaders seeking votes in the region to compete on policies and leadership records, warning against attempts to intimidate voters or claim exclusive ownership of Mt Kenya politics.
Wambugu spoke as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) prepared to campaign in Nyeri Town on Tuesday, August 18.
In a statement, the former legislator said the visit should be viewed as part of Kenya’s multiparty democratic process, insisting that every political party has a right to seek support from Nyeri residents.
He said Jubilee would not oppose the entry of DCP or any other political formation into the constituency, noting that voters should be allowed to hear competing political messages before deciding who to support in the 2027 General Election.
“Let everyone come. Let everyone campaign. Let everyone sell their policies. Then let the people of Nyeri decide,” Wambugu said.
His statement, however, carried a strong warning against intimidation and violence, particularly following recent clashes at political events in Homa Bay.
Wambugu expressed concern over remarks attributed to Kieni parliamentary aspirant Kanini Kega suggesting that DCP would have people to “protect” its activities during the Nyeri visit.
The former MP said Nyeri Town had traditionally been peaceful and should not become a battleground for political confrontations.
“No one should bring people from outside to cause violence, intimidate residents or disrupt our normal way of life simply because they are in town for one day of campaigns,” he said.
Wambugu also rejected the idea that any political party or leader could treat Nyeri, or the wider Mt Kenya region, as an exclusive political zone.
He said the constitutional principle of multiparty democracy requires political actors to accept competition, regardless of their popularity or previous electoral dominance.
Wambugu acknowledged Gachagua’s influence in the region but insisted that political respect should not translate into submission.
“We respect him but we do not fear him,” he said.
The former MP said the same standard should apply to all political leaders, including those seeking elective positions from MCA to President.
He further revealed that Jubilee was holding a strategy meeting in Limuru involving its Mt Kenya aspirants and presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i. He said the party would subsequently begin an engagement tour of the region to present its agenda to voters.
Wambugu also welcomed the launch of the People’s Party of Kenya by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, describing the new formation as an addition to Kenya’s political choices.
He urged politicians to maintain peace as the country moves towards the 2027 elections, saying the ultimate decision should remain with voters.
“Hakuna mtu anamiliki kura za watu. Kura ni za wananchi,” Wambugu said.