Former Nyeri Town Constituency Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has welcomed the growing number of political parties seeking to establish themselves in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying competition will give voters wider choices.
Wambugu, a member of the Jubilee Party, welcomed the launch of the People’s Party of Kenya by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, saying the emergence of new political formations would expand political options available to residents.
“As Jubilee Party we welcome the People’s Party of Kenya to the Kenyan political space. Its presence will expand the political choices available to Kenyans, and having options is always a good thing,” said Wambugu.
He said strong political movements should embrace competition rather than fear it, arguing that voters should be allowed to listen to different candidates and assess their policies before making decisions.
The former legislator spoke on the day Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua was expected to hold a political rally in Nyeri Town.
Wambugu said all political parties should be allowed to campaign freely and present their policies to residents, provided they respect the law and the rights of other political players.
“As Jubilee, our position has been consistent: Let everyone come, let everyone campaign, let everyone sell their policies and then let the people of Nyeri decide,” he said.
He noted that the Constitution establishes Kenya as a multiparty democracy and argued that no political party or individual should regard Mount Kenya as an exclusive political preserve.
Wambugu said the principle should apply to all parties, including Jubilee and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
He also cautioned leaders against confusing political respect with fear, saying residents should respect political leaders without being intimidated into supporting particular parties or candidates.
Wambugu said the principle should apply to every political leader regardless of popularity, political position, or party affiliation.
He expressed confidence that residents were capable of listening to competing political messages and deciding who should represent them at different levels of government.
He said voters should be free to choose candidates for positions ranging from Member of County Assembly and Member of Parliament to Woman Representative, Senator, Governor, and President.
Wambugu also condemned political violence, describing recent incidents witnessed in Homa Bay as intolerable.
He urged political parties and their supporters to commit themselves to peace, unity, and democratic competition as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
He particularly warned against intimidation, political zoning, and attempts by political actors to portray certain regions as exclusive territories of particular parties.
“Political competition must not make us enemies. Politicians should disagree vigorously while maintaining mutual respect and protecting peace,” said Wambugu.
By Wangari Mwangi and Sharon Nashipae
