Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for his recent claims that Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata risks losing his political seat if he fails to align with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Governor Kahiga, speaking on Monday, February 10, urged Kang’ata to publicly declare his political stance and support Gachagua or face rejection in the next general elections.
Addressing mourners at a burial in Laikipia County, Kahiga insisted that the Mt. Kenya region stood firmly behind Gachagua and would unquestioningly follow his political direction.
“We want to tell Kang’ata to listen to the ground. We will follow the direction set by the Mt. Kenya Kingpin,” Kahiga stated.
Kioni: “We Will Not Allow Political Intimidation”
Responding to Kahiga’s comments, Kioni dismissed the remarks as unacceptable and an attempt to intimidate leaders with differing views.
According to the Jubilee Party leader, such rhetoric belongs in the past, and Mt. Kenya should not allow its leaders to be pressured into blind loyalty.
“The attacks on Governor Irungu Kang’ata by Governor Mutahi Kahiga in Laikipia today were not only uncalled for but unacceptable. This kind of political thuggery has no place in our society,” Kioni asserted.
He further warned that the region should not repeat the mistakes of 2022, where leaders were pushed into supporting certain political agendas without question.
“We will not stand by as good leaders from Mt. Kenya are sacrificed at the altar of sycophancy and blind loyalty. We made that mistake in 2022—never again! Mark my words,” Kioni added.
Gachagua’s Warning to Mt. Kenya Leaders
Kioni’s remarks come a day after Gachagua issued a stern warning to Mt. Kenya leaders who continue to support President William Ruto despite what he termed as the president’s betrayal of the region.
Speaking from his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua vowed to politically dismantle any Mt. Kenya politician aligning with Ruto, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over the community’s welfare.
“This region will vote out leaders who prioritize their own interests over those of the community. Those who sell our region for their political gain will never see leadership again,” Gachagua declared.
As political tensions in Mt. Kenya continue to rise, the divide between pro-Gachagua and pro-Ruto factions is becoming more pronounced, setting the stage for heated political battles ahead of the 2027 elections.
