It Is Practically Impossible To Keep Your Eyes Open In Kenya Political Scene And Not Have Your Heart Broken, Says David Kimengere, A Founder Of Kuungana Kujenga Kenya Which Is One Of The New Political Parties Seeking To Dislodge Those Being Fronted By Well Known Politicians
By MKT Correspondents
The adage, “Same Forest, Different Monkeys,” can aptly fit the Kenya political scene.
In the country, no meaningful changes are ever experienced. Politicians are fond of changing and shifting alliances with the masses following them blindly.
Eventually when elections are held, same old faces takes charge, albeit singing a different tune.
However, some upcoming leaders have vowed to make this come to an end.
As the country gears towards the 2027 General Elections, a new political wave is sweeping the country in general and in the Mt Kenya region in particular.
These new leaders have vowed to teach the old political faces a lesson and change the political dynamics once and for all.
One such leader is businessman and human rights activist David Kimengere who is fondly referred to as ‘Sauti Ya Mnyonge’.
The Othaya-born Kimengere has alongside like-minded leaders founded a new political party; The Kuungana Kujenga Kenya party.
The party whose slogan is, ‘Sauti ya Mnyonge’party has taken the region by storm, winning the hearts of many residents, not only in the mountain region but also others parts of the country.
Kimengere, a descendant of the Mau Mau freedom fighters, has become a rallying figure for many grassroots citizens who feel their voices have long been ignored in current political landscape.
He reaches out to citizens with amessage of inclusivity, humility, and empowerment that has struck a powerful chord, thereby positioning him as a key player in the political dispensation.
Yesterday, Kimengere revealed that several upcoming leaders had reached out to him, wishing to be associated with his political outfit.
“This party speaks for the common man. It’s a movement to watch as we are out to show the old leaders that there could be a better alternative,” Kimengere said.
Beyond political endorsements, Kimengere’s Mau Mau heritage has resonated deeply with many descendants of Kenya’s liberation heroes.
“As a region, there’s a secret that we have failed to understand: The boss is not always right, but he is always the boss,” Kimengere remarked of the issue of blindly following some leaders.
“As Mt Kenya, we must learn from the humility and political acumen exhibited by these leaders. Political resilience, loyalty, and strategic patience are key ingredients for national leadership,” he said, but added that, that doesn’t mean people should remain edged to some visionless leaders.
Kimengere is championing the inclusion of young people in national leadership conversations as one way of introducing new blood in various political scenes.
“The youth must be at the centre of discussions pertaining to national leadership. The must not be left behind,” he stressed, as he urged the young kenyans to take proactive roles in shaping the country’s future.
He challenged the youth to believe in themselves and seize the opportunities available through political engagement rather than waiting for handouts or being used as tools during election seasons.
To ensure they secure their space without much frustrations, Kimengere called on the youth, especially those in Mt Kenya, to turn up in large numbers and register as members his party.
He noted that building a strong grassroots movement would be critical to ensuring that ordinary citizens have a voice in the next government.
Kimengere who has declared his interest for the Othaya parliamentary seat said he hoped his party will secure other parliamentary and ward seats in various parts of the country.
He told those seeking to contest political seats, particularly in the mountain region not to rely on Parties fronted by the current political heavyweights but instead support new parties like his.
“I would advice the upcoming leaders to make early decision of supporting parties like this. They should know that they have slim chances of being given opportunities in parties led by old political faces,” he said.
He said old politicians were only reactionary as he gave an example of this week’s call by a section of leaders for action to be taken against some regional Heads of State.
Kimengere wondered why those leaders were selective on issues they want addressed, which he termed as being selfish and self-centered.
Such leaders, he said cannot be expected to make any meaningful changes that will have impact on Kenyans lives.
Last year, Kimengere penned an explosive petition to AUC where he called for barring of ODM leader Raila Odinga from contesting the continental seat as he accused him of his involvement in political violence and electoral malpractice over the years.
The petition quickly gained international traction, as he spread his message to several countries, sparking widespread debate in diplomatic circles, with eventual result being failure by Raila to secure the post.
Political analysts noted the intervention demonstrated the powerful influence civil society actors can have on major political outcomes in Africa.
Dennis Dibondo