As tensions continue to rise ahead of President William Ruto's anticipated Central Kenya tour, Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki has sounded a warning to political adversaries regarding a crucial Mount Kenya bloc.
Speaking on Sunday, March 30, Kariuki took a swipe at an unnamed political element whom he subtly accused of trying to use Kirinyaga county as a political colony.
According to the lawmaker, some key political figures had developed a tendency of using political swing counties to further their own agendas, at the expense of the voters.
“In Kirinyaga, we are no colony of any county. We have our own identity and direction,” Kariuki asserted.
The MP further criticised politicians from outside the county who attempt to dictate political alignments within Kirinyaga, stating, "One just decides where he wants to tour anywhere, and he's from another county, then he tells us to leave this faction and join that one. We are not engaging in that."
While it is unclear who the MP was referring to, it is worth noting that Kariuki is not a fan of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, especially after the sensational impeachment.
In the build-up to Gachagua's impeachment motion, Kariuki was thoroughly critical of the former DP, accusing him of abandoning the Kenya Kwanza government to further his agenda.
Meanwhile, Gachagua's political tactic has been to try and consolidate the Mount Kenya vote, with Kirinyaga county being among his key targets to swing numbers his way. In February 2025, he hosted Kirinyaga county leaders in a strategic effort to solidify his support base including MCAs David Mathenge (Baragwi Ward), Kinyua Wangui (Mutira Ward), Moses Maina (Kanyekini Ward), Eric Muchina (Kerugoya), Beatrice Mitaro (Wamumu) and Daisy Githinji (Kabage Ward).
Regardless, Kirinyaga remains a volatile political area, with the area leaders still divided on who to support between the Kenya Kwanza government and Rigathi Gachagua and his allies. This dynamic manifested itself on Tuesday, March 4, during a burial event when a pastor declined to grant the leaders allied to Gachagua a chance to speak.
At the time, tensions quickly escalated when Kirinyanga Women Representative Njeri Maina and other leaders, including the area Senator Kamau Murango stormed the podium, demanding to be allowed to speak to the audience.
As far as Ruto's Mount Kenya tour is concerned, the President is expected to launch projects in Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang'a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu counties.
