Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse has called on political leaders to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid threats that could trigger violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mutuse urged politicians to focus on persuading voters instead of intimidating opponents, warning that attempts to restrict certain parties from campaigning in specific areas go against the Constitution and principles of multiparty democracy.
The MP cautioned leaders against political zoning, where some groups claim ownership of particular regions and deny others the opportunity to seek support from residents.
Speaking at Unoa Sports Ground during an interdenominational prayer, thanksgiving and dedication service for Dr. Andrew Mutava Mulwa, who has declared interest in the Makueni Senate seat in 2027, Mutuse said every Kenyan has a constitutional right to participate in political activities anywhere in the country.
“I want to ask leaders to stop the politics of threats. They should stop saying this area belongs to a particular party and that other parties cannot conduct campaigns here,” said Mutuse.
“Let us do the politics of persuading wananchi and avoid threats. Kenya is a multiparty democracy, and every Kenyan has a right to campaign anywhere, any place, and belong to any party as provided by the Constitution,” he added.
Mutuse said his team had resolved to conduct peaceful and respectful campaigns, urging competing leaders to avoid abusive language and actions that could divide communities.
He said the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) team would promote inclusivity by embracing people from all religious backgrounds and social groups in a bid to foster harmony and national unity.
“As a team working with Dr. Mulwa and President William Ruto, we have decided to conduct peaceful and respectful campaigns. We shall listen to both the little and the big voices and embrace all religions,” he said.
During the event, Mutuse pledged to support Dr. Mulwa’s Senate bid, describing him as a visionary leader with more than 15 years of experience serving in both county and national government.
On his part, Dr. Mulwa attributed Makueni County’s slow pace of development to leadership challenges, particularly in the execution of the oversight role of the Senate.
Mulwa, who is the Director of Medical Services, Preventive and Promotive Health at the Ministry of Health, said the county has vast resources, including arable land and skilled human capital, that can be harnessed to improve livelihoods.
He said Makueni has the potential to become a major food-producing region through irrigation, noting that thousands of acres of land could be transformed into productive agricultural zones.
“It is possible to irrigate the land of Makueni. If Galana Kulalu can be irrigated, there is no reason why the over 10,000 acres of land belonging to the University of Nairobi in Kibwezi cannot be put under irrigation. This is because of poor leadership,” he said.
Mulwa also raised concerns over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young people, saying lack of mentorship and opportunities has contributed to the challenge.
He said Makueni has educated young people who complete university but often return home without adequate opportunities to utilise their skills.
“We have resources that we can use to change Makueni. We have educated people, and our children have gone to university, but they return home and engage in drugs and substance abuse because there is a lack of leadership to mentor them,” he said.
The former health official further said the county could explore renewable energy opportunities, particularly solar power, by encouraging investors to support development projects.
Other leaders present during the event included Prof. Philip Kaloki, who is seeking the Makueni gubernatorial seat, and Special Economic Zones Authority Board Chairperson Fred Muteti, who is aspiring for the Makueni parliamentary seat in 2027.
By Patrick Nyakundi
