Former CS Moses Kuria has welcomed the Linda Mwananchi political tour to Nyahururu, saying Kenya must safeguard its democratic space while warning against what he described as a “monolithic dictatorship.”

In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Kuria claimed that he had spoken with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata to express solidarity ahead of the opposition mobilisation in Nyahururu, urging leaders to uphold political competition and democratic freedoms.

Kuria backs democratic competition

Kuria said political pluralism remains essential in Kenya’s democracy, adding that leaders should be free to engage voters without intimidation or restrictions.

“We fully welcome Linda Mwananchi to Nyahururu today. I have called my brother Governor Kang’ata to express solidarity. We must guard and protect our democratic space and avoid monolithic dictatorship,” Kuria stated.

He also launched a fresh political attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claiming the former deputy president is uncomfortable with the emergence of alternative political leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

According to Kuria, younger leaders and emerging politicians from Murang’a face resistance because of the changing political dynamics within the region.

Fresh Mt Kenya rivalry

Kuria further claimed that Gachagua fears alternative leadership from Mt Kenya, younger politicians and emerging leaders from Murang’a County, citing Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as an example.

He concluded his message by encouraging Governor Kang’ata to remain steadfast, saying, “Soldier on brother.”

The remarks add to the growing exchange of political statements among Mt Kenya leaders as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Focus shifts to Nyahururu

Kuria’s remarks came as opposition leaders intensified mobilisation ahead of the Linda Mwananchi tour in Nyahururu.

Earlier on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo attended a church service at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Kisumu before the opposition’s planned activities in Nyahururu.

The Linda Mwananchi programme includes a church service, a town procession and a public rally as opposition leaders seek to consolidate support ahead of the July 16, 2026 Ol Kalou by-election.

The contest has attracted national political attention, with UDA, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and the broader opposition viewing the mini poll as an important test of political influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.