Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri./HANDOUT

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has urged voters in the Mt Kenya region to make independent political decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election, cautioning against being swayed by political popularity and emotional mobilisation.

Speaking to The Star, the Service Party (TSP) leader said voters should assess leaders based on their performance, policies and ability to deliver rather than blindly follow political parties or prevailing political sentiment.

Kiunjuri argued that the region should prioritise its development interests when deciding which leaders to support in the next election.

“We have always chosen our leaders based on their ability to serve us, not based on political parties,” he said, emphasising the importance of leadership performance over party affiliation.

The MP also defended multiparty democracy, arguing that political alliances should allow smaller parties to retain their identities and independent platforms rather than surrendering their political positions.

His remarks come amid political realignments in Mt Kenya as leaders seek to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections, with competing political formations targeting a region that played a significant role in President William Ruto’s 2022 victory.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Kenyans to maintain peace and national unity despite political differences as the country approaches the next election.

Speaking in Tharaka on Thursday, Kindiki said political competition should not lead to hostility, urging residents to allow leaders from opposing political camps to address them without intimidation.

“Let us maintain peace. Political competition is acceptable. Even when our opponents come here, listen to them. Do not throw stones at them. Let them speak because we know these people; they are not strangers,” he said.

Kindiki urged political leaders to promote cohesion regardless of their affiliations, warning against allowing electoral contests to divide communities.

He said Kenyans would remain part of the same society after the elections, irrespective of who wins or loses.

“After the elections, those who win and those who lose will still be our people. Those elected will continue leading us, while we will find other responsibilities in government for those who lose,” he said.