Former
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has urged residents of Mount Kenya to show maturity
by welcoming President William Ruto.
President
Ruto is set to begin a five-day tour of the vast region on April 1, his first
visit since the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, last year.
Ahead of
Ruto’s tour, Ngunjiri called on the region’s residents to accord the President
a warm reception and avoid any form of disrespect, hooliganism or heckling.
He noted that the Mount Kenya region contributed 47 per cent of the total votes that secured Ruto’s presidency in 2022.
Ngunjiri emphasized that such a significant percentage warrants a fair share of development, which can only be achieved if the President is received well.
“Mount Kenya region gave Ruto 47 per cent of the votes, and expectations for development are very high. I appeal to all leaders from the region to be patient and allow the President to explain his development projects,” Ngunjiri said.
The former MP, who has previously aligned with Gachagua, urged residents to exercise restraint and shun any form of violence during and after the President’s tour.
He condemned the hooliganism witnessed in Nairobi following the President’s recent visit to the capital, describing it as an indication of political intolerance and immaturity.
“We saw
what happened in Nairobi after the President left—some people took advantage to
loot properties. We don’t want to see such actions in Mount Kenya because that
would reflect poorly on our community,” Ngunjiri said.
He also
highlighted that many members of Mount Kenya communities reside in other
regions across the country, making any acts of violence particularly
unfortunate.
“Our people live peacefully with other communities, and we should reciprocate by promoting love and peace,” he added.
Ngunjiri urged leaders from Mt Kenya region not to incite residents from attending President Ruto’s rallies, saying the region must remain peaceful and hospitable.
