Ngunjiri Wambugu Raises Tough Questions on Mt. Kenya Leadership and Party Politics
Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has strongly criticized the rising trend of electing leaders based on political waves rather than proven performance, warning that such decisions have serious consequences for Mt. Kenya and the country at large.
Speaking during a candid interview on Inooro FM’s Kiririmbi Show on Sunday evening, Wambugu said he will take a front-line role in educating the electorate about the dangers of voting for individuals simply because they ride the popularity of a party or a political figure.
“We must be cautious about the kind of leaders we elect—we shouldn’t choose them simply because of political waves,” he said. “In Mt. Kenya, the very individuals who rode the wave into office are now the ones who led the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.”
Wambugu did not mince words when addressing the recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, stating that the current Parliament will always carry the tag of having overseen the removal of the DP. He expressed hope that the courts would deliver justice to Gachagua, even as the case is expected to go all the way to the Supreme Court.
“The impeachment process will ultimately reach the Supreme Court, and while we hope for an expeditious resolution, we acknowledge that it may take time,” he noted.
On the question of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wambugu called for integrity and neutrality, urging commissioners to put Kenya’s interests first.
“Every decision made by the IEBC must be for the benefit of Kenyans. Their readiness to serve should reflect that commitment,” he emphasized.
He also took aim at what he called the confusing nature of Kenya’s current political alignment, arguing that the traditional role of the Opposition has been compromised.
“Our politics is very confusing. The current formation includes both Government and Opposition. IEBC vetting is supposed to be overseen by the Opposition, but today, the Opposition is part of Government,” Wambugu observed.
A longtime member of the Jubilee Party, Wambugu also expressed resistance to calls for collapsing political parties into a single entity.
“I am a proud member of the Jubilee Party, which is now nine years old. I would have a serious problem with anyone proposing that we fold all existing parties into one. That kind of thinking is dictatorial,” he said firmly.
Finally, Wambugu challenged the narrative that track record no longer matters, asserting that Kenyans must demand performance and accountability from their leaders.
“I have a problem with the idea that someone’s track record doesn’t matter as long as they align with a certain leader. We must elect leaders based on their performance and proven track record,” he concluded.
Wambugu’s remarks have sparked renewed debate on political accountability, party democracy, and the integrity of national institutions.
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