One of my professional roles is a public sector leader. I am interested in the Laikipia County Governorship. As a result, I am a target of political barbs by a politician who has recently joined the opposition. That would not worry me much, except that these unwarranted attacks are often also directed at the institution whose board I chair, testimony to the scotch earth mentality of some Kenyan politicians. No institution nor value spared!
That was part of the context as Laikipians convened at Nyahururu last Saturday, where I was one of a dozen speakers. Gathered were spiritual leaders, elders, farmers and pastoralists, teachers, business owners, the young and the not so young.
My spirit was so stirred by the sight of so many sons and daughters of Laikipia, moving me to tears. My heart glowed with warmth, and immeasurable joy. That thousands gathered confirmed that the future of our beloved country belongs to all of us, and it is ours to shape.
Laikipia is a county of extraordinary endowment and diversity. Our soil is tended by Kikuyu, Meru and Kisii farmers, our vast rangelands are grazed by Maasai, Pokot and Samburu pastoralists. Our towns buzz with enterprise from virtually every community of Kenya. A melting pot of cultures, and that diversity is our greatest strength.
The Nyahururu rally shared a simple, and urgent message, for every man, woman and youth across Kenya.
First, we spoke frankly about the choices that lie before us as we approach 2027.
We are a people blessed with the democratic right to choose our own leaders. The leaders we choose determine whether our children flourish or falter, whether our farms prosper or wither, whether our young people find opportunity or are left idle and frustrated.
It would be a tragedy if we were robbed, or surrendered that sacred choice out of fear, or allowed ourselves to be herded into political buckets by those who imagine they can command our loyalty like livestock. We love livestock, but we are certainly not cattle to be herded.
We resolved to reject the politics of those who believe that loyalty can be compelled rather than earned. The leaders we choose must be those with a proven record of service, and at the very least, a vision that ignites genuine hope. We maintained that Laikipia cannot afford politicians who merely shout the loudest or demand obedience to a political cult.
We resolved to rise above intimidation, to search our own consciences, and to vote for the future that we know our families deserve. Let no one—whomsoever that might be—rob us of our free will and right to choose leaders of our liking.
Second, we addressed the foundation upon which any economic progress must be built, which is peaceful coexistence. In Laikipia we chose, not to be just Kikuyu, Kisii, Maasai, Samburu, Meru, Somali or Luo. We chose to be Kenyans. We need each other now more than ever before. We want to make Laikipia the promised land it deserves to be.
Without peace, no crops will reach the market, no livestock will graze in safety, and no shop will open its doors with assurance. The enemy of our prosperity is not the neighbor whose mother tongue differs from our own. Rather, it is the politician who sows division for personal gain. We must be vigilant and wise enough to reject such voices.
I believe that Laikipia’s and Kenya’s greatest days lie ahead. But only if we confront our challenges together, in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect. Our governments must treat every citizen with equal dignity, regardless of ethnicity. We need bridges, not barriers, between all communities. No one should be sidelined, and no community made to feel like a stranger in their own land.
And so, I made a solemn pledge before those gathered, and the heavens above, that Laikipia County shall be a sanctuary of unity, a place for constructive dialogue, and a beacon of peace and shared prosperity, inviting all gathered to join in this sacred journey.
The path ahead for our country demands courage, patience and unity. No doubt, Kenyans will rise to the occasion. As for me, I commit to work tirelessly, to listen humbly, and to lead with integrity. Let us walk together and write a new chapter of hope, dignity and prosperity for every resident of this country we love.
@NdirituMuriithi, an economist, is partner at Ecocapp Capital LLP, and advisory firm.
