Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki
By Mwenda Njeru
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has dismissed plans by some Mt. Kenya politicians to form a new political party, terming the debate premature and counterproductive.
Speaking in Meru at a cultural event uniting Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties under the theme “Two Counties, One People,” Njuki emphasized the need to prioritize development over political squabbles.
“It is shameful that while other parts of the country are focusing on development, all we hear from the larger Mt. Kenya region are political disputes,” he said.
Njuki, who is serving his second term, urged leaders to focus on addressing the region’s development challenges rather than scheming about political outfits so far from the next election.
Reflecting on past experiences, he reminded the audience that political parties have been successfully established close to election dates.
“There was a time we formed a political party six months before the election, and it still managed to win key positions, including parliamentary seats. So, where is the hurry now?” Njuki questioned.
The governor also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of undermining the government and attempting to alienate the Mt. Kenya region from national development efforts.
“It is unfortunate that our region worked tirelessly to win this government in 2022, only to be asked to abandon it two years later. We cannot keep firefighting every day while other regions are receiving development reports. This is where our focus should be,” he stated.
Njuki stressed the importance of unity between Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, urging them to work together when engaging the national government for development support. He highlighted that their strength lies in collaboration, not division.
As Mt. Kenya politics heat up, Njuki’s remarks serve as a call for leaders to prioritize economic growth and regional unity over premature political maneuvers.