Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri misses the political arena.
Although Cabinet secretaries should not engage in politics, Kiunjuri has intensified his political activities in Mt Kenya region, giving indications he is a man after something in 2022.
Even as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s succession politics intensify at the national level, the issue of who will step into his shoes in Mt Kenya is emerging.
For the first time in Kenya’s history, the region seems to be plunged in confusion on who will take over the mantle.
While Kiunjuri has kept his cards close to his chest about his post-Kenyatta presidency plan, his prominent hand in organising Mt Kenya region leaders to take a position on the Building Bridges Initiative left no doubt of his growing influence.
When the BBI team announced in October that they had completed compiling the report and it leaked out that they had recommended a change of government system from pure presidential to a parliamentary system, Kiunjuri quickly mobilised the Mt Kenya leaders for a meeting where they declared that they will oppose any changes.
Weeks after the report was unveiled at the Bomas of Kenya, Kiunjuri also mobilised over 57 MPs from Mt Kenya and even those from outside the region but have roots in Central for a retreat in Embu county.
The leaders concluded that Parliament was the only way to implement the report as opposed to a referendum, which is being championed by ODM leader Raila Odinga and his brigade.
The legislators said any constitutional amendment in relation to the report should be done in Parliament, as many aspects touch on the law and not an amendment to the Constitution.
Could Uhuru be secretly be grooming him to be the next Mt Kenya region kingpin? Is this the man Deputy President William Ruto is positioning to be his running mate in 2022? These are questions his friends and enemies are pondering with.
Political analyst Gabriel Muthuma opines that Kiunjuri is the right man to take over the leadership mantle from Uhuru, saying his ability to rally politicians from the region to take a common position is a clear indication of a unifying leader.
“In my view, Kiunjuri brings about a level of experience that few politicians have in Mt Kenya. He has a knack on the political language that sets him apart from the rest. He knows how to work the crowd. A key component when it comes to leadership,” Muthuma said.
He, however, said considering Kiunjuri is heading a crucial docket dealing directly with issues affecting the Mt Kenya region, he needs to put more effort to resolve what is affecting farming.
“Key among the deficit that he may face while servicing as CS Agriculture is the economic beating that coffee, tea and miraa has taken in the Central region,” he said.
USIU lecturer Prof Macharia Munene said while Uhuru will still be influential in Mt Kenya even after retiring in 2022, Kiunjuri has proven he has what it takes to lead the region.
“Kiunjuri is a foresighted leader and a politician who has matured over time. There is some element of desperation in the region on who will take over from Uhuru and Kiunjuri has seen that opportunity,”Munene said.
“With the exit of Uhuru, he is the best man suited for the job. People are looking for alternative voices and Kiunjuri seems to have an upper hand on that,” he added.
Uhuru and Ruto settled on Kiunjuri as the CS for Devolution and Planning in 2014 and the former Laikipia East MP would later be moved to the influential and lucrative Ministry of Agriculture where he has served to date.
In the Ministry of Agriculture, he has been faced with a lot of challenges, including the recurring maize crisis, fluctuating tea prices, importation of cheap milk and eggs that have flooded the market, dealing a blow to local farmers.
Kiunjuri has also had to deal with the storm that erupted in the wake of the ailing sugar sector, which has resulted in several state-owned sugarcane millers closing down.
INFLUENCE IN UHURU’S LEGACY
He holds a docket critical in Uhuru’s first plank of food security and holds sway on how the President will succeed in his Big Four agenda.
His unrivaled charm and political tentacles that spread across the Central region makes him an apparent heir to the throne and this has come with a price.
Those that perceive his fond ties with Ruto are unsettled and keen to cut him to size . At some point, there were choruses about his imminent sack from the Cabinet. There are also those who see him as a political maverick, who is able to steer his docket while dabbling with politics without spoiling the broth.
Kinangop MP Thuku Kwenya describes Kiunjuri as “a seasoned leader who is ripe to unite and lead the region”.
“Kiunjuri is one of our leaders who has what it takes to lead. He has experience in politics and government affairs and can equally ready to a political direction to take,” he said.
However, Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambungu holds a different view.
The abrasive first-time legislator says first, the CS comes from Laikipia county which falls under the Rift Valley and, therefore, has no standing to lead the real Mt Kenya.
Ngunjiri, who has had run-ins with Kiunjuri, says the CS so far has no record as to how he has used his ministerial positions to help Mt Kenya, noting that Uhuru will remain their leader even after finishing his term in 2022.
“My personal opinion is that he is not the one to take over from Uhuru. You cannot take over from Uhuru by staging a rebellion against him. Whoever is going to take over from Uhuru is the person who has assisted him to finish his term successfully and ensures he is respected to the end,” he said.
“Kiunjuri is part of the people who believe they can build their names by defying Uhuru Kenyatta. He thinks that defiance is going to make him a regional kingpin.”
“Kiunjuri’s political base is Laikipia, which is actually in the Rift Valley and therefore I don’t see how he can come from Rift Valley to come and lead people in Mt Kenya,” he added.
He said the person who is most likely to succeed Uhuru as Mt Kenya kingpin will be among those who will be in office after 2022.
Before venturing into politics, Kiunjuri taught at Kangema High School, Kiarithaini High School and Dr Kiano Boys School between 1983 and 1997.
The Moi University Bachelor of Education graduate quit teaching at Kiarithaini Secondary School, Nyeri county, in 1997 and was elected MP for Laikipia East on the Democratic Party P ticket.
The outspoken politician was re-elected in 2002 and 2007 but lost in 2013, when he vied for Laikipia governor.
His mastery of communicating in the Kikuyu language, especially through proverbs and idioms, is unmatched among Central Kenya politicians of his generation.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s
truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Many
people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
I like this weblog it’s a master piece! Glad I observed this on google.?
You’re so awesome! I don’t think I have read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to discover somebody with genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality.
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this during my hunt for something concerning this.
Good article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.
You are so interesting! I do not think I’ve truly read through something like this before. So wonderful to discover another person with original thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
After looking over a number of the blog articles on your blog, I truly like your technique of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my website as well and tell me how you feel.
The next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I truly believed you’d have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
Howdy, I believe your blog could possibly be having web browser compatibility problems. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, great blog.
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I genuinely thought you’d have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody else getting the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Kudos!
I quite like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment.
I like looking through an article that will make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment.
Very nice blog post. I definitely love this website. Keep writing!
I blog quite often and I really thank you for your information. This article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now 😉
Good info. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve bookmarked it for later.
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the most useful websites on the web. I am going to highly recommend this website!
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you’d have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you can fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.
Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
Very interesting details you have noted, regards for putting up.
Travel guide
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written.
There is certainly a lot to know about this topic. I like all of the points you’ve made.
May I simply just say what a relief to uncover somebody who truly knows what they are talking about on the net. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people must check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular given that you most certainly have the gift.
I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
I love reading an article that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up plus the rest of the website is really good.
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you should publish more about this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t talk about such subjects. To the next! Many thanks.
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
Hi! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you’ve got right here on this post. I’ll be returning to your web site for more soon.
Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back yet again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
You are so awesome! I don’t believe I’ve read through something like that before. So wonderful to find someone with some original thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality.
I was very pleased to discover this site. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and i also have you book marked to look at new things in your web site.
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest websites on the internet. I am going to recommend this web site!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best websites on the web. I am going to recommend this website!
I blog often and I seriously thank you for your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Best wishes! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it.
Right here is the right site for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I truly thought you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best sites on the web. I most certainly will recommend this web site!
After exploring a handful of the blog posts on your site, I truly like your way of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and tell me how you feel.
I was able to find good information from your articles.
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read content from other writers and use a little something from their sites.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t disappoint me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I actually believed you’d have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.
This site really has all of the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post plus the rest of the website is extremely good.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the website is extremely good.
bookmarked!!, I love your blog!
I enjoy reading a post that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering troubles with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx.
I used to be able to find good information from your articles.
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to publish more about this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but usually folks don’t speak about such issues. To the next! Cheers.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web site is really fastidious.
Excellent article. I absolutely appreciate this website. Keep writing!
Bu casino’daki slot oyunları ile eğlenirken kazanmak çok kolay.
Bu casino’nun slot oyunları beni hep kazandırıyor!
Slot oyunlarında her spin büyük bir heyecan, bu casino mükemmel bir platform!
Casino’nun sunduğu turnuvalar ile ekstra kazançlar kazanmak çok keyifli.
Futbol bahislerinde doğru strateji ve tahminlerle büyük kazançlar elde etmek çok keyifli!
Bu casino’nun sunduğu futbol bahis seçenekleri her maçta büyük kazanç fırsatları sunuyor!
Deneme bonusu sayesinde hiç yatırım yapmadan kazanç sağlamaya başladım!
Her hafta yeni slot oyunlarıyla eğlenceyi ve kazancı bir arada yaşıyorum.
There’s definately a lot to learn about this topic. I really like all of the points you made.
Hello there! I simply would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great info you have here on this post. I am coming back to your site for more soon.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the website is also really good.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
Deneme bonusu ile bahis yaparken hiç risk almadan kazanç sağlamak harika!
May I just say what a relief to uncover someone who actually understands what they’re discussing on the web. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people really need to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you most certainly have the gift.
There is certainly a great deal to know about this subject. I love all of the points you’ve made.
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
Bu casino’daki düşük bahisli slot oyunları ile bile güzel kazançlar elde etmek mümkün.
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
En sevdiğim slot oyunu Sweet Bonanza, kazançlarım sürekli artıyor.
Bahislerde strateji yapmak önemli, bu casino’da doğru bahislerle her zaman kazançlı çıkıyorum!
There’s definately a lot to know about this subject. I like all of the points you have made.