By Wainaina wa Ndung’u
As the 2027 election clock ticks and a new political wave threatens to sweep Mount Kenya about four bold men are seeking to strike independent paths though firmly rooted in the opposition.
The four includes Kiharu Mp Ndindi Nyoro who has taken over as party leader of the Kenya People’s Party (KPP), former Laikipia governor Ndiritu Muriithi who holds a similar position at the Kenya Reform Party. Others are former Meru governor Peter Munya who remains head of one-time ruling party the Party of National Unity (PNU) and former National Assembly Speaker and Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi who head Democratic Party of Kenya.
Also striking an independent ground is Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi even as a growing list of Mt Kenya governors and MPs continue to seek comfort in Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
In this series, we will look at Ndiritu Muriithi, Peter Munya, Ndindi Nyoro and Justin Muturi and Kimani wa Matangi and what they have been up to in the recent past:
Independent streak
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) chairman and former Laikipia governor Ndiritu Muriithi has taken over the leadership of Kenya Reform Party. Elected on an independent ticket for his single term as governor, Muriithi invested heavily in PNU but fell out with Munya ahead of 2022and finally settled for Jubilee ticket in his unsuccessful re-election bid.
The nephew of third president Mwai Kibaki has started laying the groundwork for grassroots engagements to recapture his old seat.
His team said the spontaneous public gatherings and online communities rallied citizens to discuss progressive issues devoid of toxic politics that have been developing in the region.
On August 8, the former governor held a people’s assembly at Nyahururu which was followed by rallies across eight townships in Laikipia West and Laikipia North to officially launch his bid.
Though allied to the opposition, he is striking an independent path again after he unsuccessfully run for governor under presidential candidate Musalia Mudavadi of United Democratic Front (UPF) in 2013, won his second bid as an independent in 2017 and unsuccessfully tried to defend the seat under Jubilee Party against the yellow fever in 2022.
Save for 2007 when he made his debut on a Party of National Unity (PNU) Muriithi has boldly run against Mt Kenya political euphoria and made his point.
“It would be a tragedy if we allowed ourselves to be herded into political corners by anyone who imagines they can command our loyalty like livestock. We love livestock but we are certainly not cattle to be treated as if we have no minds of our own,” Muriithi has declared.
He added that Laikipia rejected the politics of any tin god who believed that loyalty can be compelled rather than earned.
“Our diversity is Laikipia’s signature strength. Never allow it to be turned into a weapon,” said Muriithi. “Mine is to offer bridges, not barriers, between every community.”
Muriithi is banking on record as governor between 2017-2022 as he appeals for a final gubernatorial term.
He has privately been consulting for almost a dozen counties and is a special advisor to Homabay governor Gladys Wanga besides international engagements in Sri Lanka and Malawi.
He is routing for an inclusive Laikipia where all communities feel part of the final democratic choices.
Despite being among the voices that proponents of a looming six-piece voting has vowed to block in the next election, Muriithi vows not to sacrifice his principles to the altar of political idol worship saying he is a firm believer in remaining true to personal convictions.
