After the sacking of former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri from office, many politicians and close allies reportedly abandoned him and consistently avoided being seen with him in any public event.
Despite this, the former CS still maintains a close ally who has in many instances showed solidarity and absolute support to Kiunjuri despite his increasing woes as a public figure.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua is seemingly one of the closest friends to Kiunjuri, a friendship that started from when Kinyua joined politics successfully winning a councillor position Iin the defunct Laikipia County Council.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi after his sacking by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kinyua was the only parliamentarian who accompanied the former CS to the presser and stood by him in what was arguably his lowest moment in politics.
“I have courage, determination and faith, knowing that it will be bumpy and challenging. I shall remain independent, principled and firm as I have been throughout my political career,” remarked Kiunjuri.
A news correspondent who has covered Laikipia County politics extensively tells Kenyans.co.ke that the two politicians have always been close allies launching projects together and also hanging out in the county and have lately increased their public appearances after Kiunjuri’s sacking.
“Kinyua has moved in to cement Kiunjuri’s authority in Laikipia County. He views him as a potential kingpin for the locals and also a key figure for the Mt Kenya region,” remarked the journalist.
In November 2019, Kinyua flanked by other leaders from Laikipia county moved in to front Kiunjuri as the running-mate for the deputy president in the 2022 general elections.
“Kiunjuri was Laikipia East MP for three terms and assistant minister before he was elevated to CS by President Uhuru Kenyatta; now it’s time to have him deputise Ruto in 2022 as he is well versed in high leadership positions in this country,” urged Kinyua.
Kinyua also indicated that Kiunjuri was the only leader in the Mt Kenya region who could rally residents to speak in one voice and assume the kingship status when President Uhuru retires.
“Let us look at the bigger picture in succession matters and rally behind one of our own so that our interests are taken care of in the next government. Because if we don’t identify a person to push our agenda, we shall not have a voice in future,” added Kinyua.
Kinyua is also a notable part of the Jubilee's Tangatanga faction that like Kiunjuri, is highly associated with Deputy President William Ruto in the push for his presidency in 2022.
As member of the faction, Kinyua was among the only three senators from the Mt Kenya region who voted to save the embattled former Governor for Kiambu County Ferdinand Waititu at the Senate on Wednesday, January 29.
Other senators who voted to save Waititu included Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi.
