North Imenti businessman and resident Paul Thuranira Addresses the press. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Businessman tells MP to thank voters, not taunt them — but urges residents to let him finish his term
By Brian Gitonga
A North Imenti businessman has publicly rebuked area Member of Parliament Rahim Dawood over remarks about the 2027 election, accusing the legislator of taking years of constituent support for granted with comments that residents found dismissive and arrogant.
Paul Thuranira, speaking in Meru town yesterday, took direct aim at Dawood’s reported declaration that no one had been born capable of unseating him, saying such language was unbecoming of a leader who had relied on the same voters to send him to Parliament. “The thing that hurts us most is the comments by our MP, Rahim Dawood. Instead of thanking the people, he is making remarks that appear to insult us,” Thuranira said.
He said residents had expected gratitude, not bravado. “We were shocked to hear Rahim saying that no woman in Meru has given birth to someone who can oppose him. We expected him to appreciate us for the years we have supported him, rather than make such remarks.”
Despite the sharp criticism, Thuranira stopped well short of calling for Dawood’s removal before his term ends. He said residents should allow the MP to complete his current term and focus on delivering development rather than dragging the constituency into premature political battles. Voters, he added, would have their say at the ballot in 2027. “We do not want to disturb Rahim. We want to give him time to work because his term is not yet over. We want him to complete his term as we also prepare ourselves,” he said.
Thuranira said residents were already quietly assessing what kind of leadership they would want beyond the current term and should organise themselves carefully in the period ahead.
Turning to county affairs, Thuranira offered measured praise for Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, saying he had observed tangible progress in hospitals, roads and other public services since the governor took office. “Even though everything cannot be completed at once, I can see work being done compared with the situation before Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia took office,” he said.
He also welcomed the ongoing redevelopment of Gakoromone Market and urged residents not to allow political differences to obstruct projects designed to serve the constituency. Thuranira alleged that some opposition to the market project was politically motivated and urged residents to separate development from political competition, arguing that blocking such initiatives would harm both current and future generations. “We should not deny ourselves projects that the national government has chosen to bring to us. Let us stop making unnecessary noise and allow these developments to proceed,” he said.
Construction of the KSh1.2B Gakoromone Market is under way, with traders relocated to temporary sites to allow the redevelopment to proceed.
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