Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru speaking at Kasarani Stadium during a past NYOTA event.

Waiguru said political violence and insults have no place in a democratic country like Kenya adding that those seeking various political seats should be allowed to campaign and sell their agenda without intimidation.

Speaking during the funeral of Mzee Joseph Nduati Kamachu, father to Nominated Senator Veronica Maina, the Governor said political competition is healthy only when it is conducted with respect.

"We live in a democratic country and democracy must allow room for competition. We should be able to compete respectfully and conduct ourselves in a manner that sets a good example for the people who look up to us," Governor Waiguru said.

She further cautioned the residents against being swayed by political parties' wave to vote for candidates who have no development track record.

"What we want is politics conducted with dignity, not politics of violence, insults, or physical confrontation. We can disagree politically and still remain friends, neighbours, and members of the same community," she added.

She cautioned voters against supporting leaders just because they are in popular political parties saying that some aspirants with no development track record have already placed themselves strategically so as to ride on party waves.

"We should not allow leaders who have done little or nothing for the people to hide behind political parties simply because those parties are popular. Instead, we should look at the individual leaders, assess their records, and make informed choices based on what they have delivered," she stated.

Her message was echoed by other leaders at the funeral service including Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome who asked resident to evaluate leaders based on their performance.

"Everyone knows that this government has worked and delivered. If we go by roads, we can account for roads done by kilometers; in education, we can point by the numbers how many teachers have been employed," CS Wahome said.

Wahome asked voters not to be hoodwinked to vote on political parties' line.

"The people of Mt. Kenya will cast their votes wisely by gauging leaders by their performance and not political parties," she added.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, said that whatever the outcome of the politics, neighbours must still live together afterwards. She praised the maturity shown by Murang'a residents.

"Beyond 2022, life continued, and beyond 2027, we will still be here, living together as one people of Murang'a and the wider Mount Kenya region," Governor Mbarire noted. "Let us continue to coexist peacefully and engage in politics with mutual respect. When leaders come to speak to you, let us listen to one another, but ultimately, the decision rests with you, the people."

Kiambu County Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha said by allowing leaders opportunity to present their agenda, voters are able to gauge them well.

"Let everyone have a chance to speak and air their different views as we are a democracy, and we should listen to each other. That is not our way. Let us reject intolerant behavior such as heckling. That is not our way. Let us tolerate each other politically and have an amicable discourse," she stressed.

Other leaders who attended the burial ceremony included; Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Murang'a County Woman Representative Betty Maina, Nyeri County Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Bahati MP Hon. Irene Njoki and Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi.