By Alex Njeru
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara has pledged to emulate Governor Muthomi Njuki’s commitment to promoting culture and fostering unity across Tharaka-Nithi County should if elected governor in 2027.
Speaking during the ongoing Tharaka Constituency Cultural Festival, Murugara lauded Governor Njuki for consistently sponsoring cultural festivals across the county, saying the initiative has revived the region’s rich cultural heritage while bringing communities together.
“I will follow Governor Njuki’s footsteps in promoting our culture and uniting our people. The culture of Tharaka-Nithi is rich and deserves continued investment,” said Murugara.
The legislator praised Njuki for supporting both constituency and county cultural festivals, noting that the governor’s efforts have strengthened unity among residents of Tharaka, Maara and Chuka/Igambang’ombe constituencies.
Murugara promised to promote the county’s cultural heritage further if elected governor, including empowering traditional singing and performing groups from across the county.
He announced plans to launch an empowerment programme for the groups in the near future.
He also pledged to improve the poor state of Nkondi Primary School and urged leaders to conduct issue-based politics instead of attacking one another.
“I will never insult fellow leaders while seeking votes. I respect Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki and Woman Representative Susan Ngugi even as we pursue the same seat,” he said.
Murugara expressed confidence that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would award him the party’s gubernatorial ticket, adding that he remains committed to serving the people of Tharaka-Nithi rather than accepting a national government appointment as it happened with DP Prof Kithure Kindiki who was seeking governorship in 2022.
The MP also defended the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying several national government roads in Tharaka would soon be upgraded to bitumen standards.
He reaffirmed his support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying he would continue backing government programmes, including the Finance Bill.
Murugara predicted that President Ruto would complete his constitutional tenure and later Kindiki contests the presidency in 2032.
The three-day cultural festival, which began on Thursday and ends on Saturday, has brought together 25 cultural groups from Tharaka Constituency alongside four guest groups from Maara and Chuka/Igambang’ombe constituencies.
The event is organised by the Tharaka Constituency Cultural Festival Community-Based Organisation under the leadership of chairman Paul Kabithi and is fully funded by the Tharaka-Nithi County Government.
Tharaka-Nithi Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael officially opened the festival, while Governor Muthomi Njuki is expected to preside over the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
County Executive Committee Member for Administration and Devolution Affairs Muthini Karangi and Chief Officer Mwiti Mono also commended Governor Njuki for prioritising cultural preservation through increased funding for festivals across the county.
Karangi urged political leaders to keep politics away from cultural activities, saying such events should remain platforms for preserving heritage and empowering artists.
“Cultural festivals should not be politicised. Instead, leaders should support the performing groups and ensure our traditions are preserved for future generations,” he said.
Tharaka Cultural Exhibition Group chairman Paul Kabithi equally praised the county government for increasing support to cultural events, saying the festivals are now better organised and adequately funded.
Kabithi noted that the county government had already supported the Maara Constituency Cultural Festival and will next month sponsor the Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency Cultural Festival before culminating the celebrations with the county’s flagship Ura Gate Cultural Festival at Ura Gate Grounds.
Speakers at the event unanimously credited Governor Njuki’s administration for revitalising cultural activities in Tharaka-Nithi, describing the county government’s sustained investment as a key step towards preserving local traditions while promoting unity and community development.
