Laikipia East Member of Parliament (MP) Mwangi Kiunjuri has taken a bold swipe at Mount Kenya leaders opposing President William Ruto, describing them as disorganized lightweights who lack the political muscle to mount a serious challenge against the president.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, at the Laikipia East NG-CDF offices in Nanyuki during a development inspection tour, Kiunjuri did not mince his words. In his typical fiery style, he mocked the opposition-aligned leaders for their loud criticism without tangible political infrastructure to back it.

“Unajua kuna watu wanasema siku hizi hatutaki kusikia president akitajwa sasa wewe jameni, hutaki president atajwe na hauna pesa yako, hauna watu, hauna chama ni kelele tu! (You oppose President Ruto, yet you have no money, no people, no party—it’s just noise!),” he told the crowd amid cheers.

Kiunjuri preaches unity

The former Cabinet Secretary warned that Mt. Kenya risks becoming politically irrelevant in the 2027 General Election if it allows itself to be divided.

“We must not gamble with our future by following people who have no agenda. The region must speak in one voice or risk being spectators in the next government,” he cautioned.

He dismissed opposition figures as seasonal politicians who only show up in election years, calling on the electorate to stick with leaders who have consistently fought for their interests.

While acknowledging that Kenyans are facing economic struggles, Kiunjuri defended Ruto’s performance, pointing to specific gains including increased fertilizer access, resumption of stalled road projects, and strategic appointments favoring Mt. Kenya.

“You can’t dismiss everything this government has done. Let’s give credit where it’s due,” he said, contrasting it with past regimes, which he claimed sidelined the region.

Kiunjuri dares rivals

In a fiery rebuttal to those accusing him of being a political fence-sitter, Kiunjuri offered a reminder of his deep experience and strategic maneuvering across political divides.

“Those calling me a fence-sitter don’t know what it takes to survive in Kenyan politics. I’ve been in government, opposition, and back, and I’ve always stood with my people,” he said.

He emphasized that political maturity is about engaging where the region’s interests are best served, not heckling from the sidelines.

With 2027 fast approaching and Mount Kenya’s political path still uncertain, Kiunjuri’s remarks signal that the battle for the region’s soul is heating up and he’s staking his ground early.