Kikuyu Constituency MP aspirant, Surveyor Stephen Kigathi Kionywe, has strongly criticized Kiambu leaders allied to the government who are pushing for the county to be recognized as a region on its own, separate from the larger Mt Kenya bloc.
Speaking after reports emerged that nearly all Kiambu MPs had backed the proposal, Kigathi said the move was a well-calculated political strategy by the government to weaken Mt Kenya by sowing division.
“What started as a mere comment has now turned into a chorus on the lips of almost every Kiambu MP allied to the government,” Kigathi noted.
His sentiments came in the wake of a Wednesday, August 27th event hosted at State House, Nairobi, attended by about 6,000 grassroots leaders from Kiambu. The aspirant questioned both the agenda of the meeting and the manner in which it was conducted.
“Why now? Why call people to State House just to come and keep shouting ‘two terms’? What happened in that meeting amounted to voter bribery,” Kigathi claimed, alleging that attendees were handed Sh10,000 each.
“If it is about dishing out money, why give only the 6,000 yet Kiambu has more than two million residents and over 1.2 million voters? If it is giving Sh10,000, then we demand that the money be given to all Kiambu residents without discrimination,” he added.
During the meeting, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah reportedly insisted that Kiambu should be declared a region, arguing that “there are no mountains in Kiambu” — a statement that was supported by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Kigathi described the development as “shocking,” saying that at a meeting with the Head of State, Kiambu leaders prioritized pushing for regional separation instead of addressing issues affecting citizens.
“They want to divide us — Kiambu to be alone, Meru to be alone, and other Mt Kenya counties too. We will not allow that to happen. Mt Kenya is one,” Kigathi maintained.
The aspirant further argued that the focus of leaders should not be on political games but on policies that truly impact wananchi. He criticized the current Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming it has failed Kenyans and is mired in allegations of corruption.
“Systems like SHA are not working. Funds are being misused on ghost hospitals, benefitting only a few and eroding the little faith wananchi had. Instead of bringing relief, they have only added salt to the wound and a heavier yoke to ordinary citizens,” Kigathi said.
He urged leaders to channel their efforts toward passing bills and formulating policies that improve healthcare, education, ICT, technology, innovation, trade, and job creation.
“Leadership must never be about squeezing or oppressing wananchi with policies that don’t work. Our mission must remain clear — to build a better future for Wanjiku. That is the leadership our people deserve,” Kigathi concluded.
