Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe on Sunday urged leaders and residents of the Mt Kenya region to abandon what he described as emotion-driven politics and instead support stable, long-term leadership that delivers sustained development.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church in Kariki, Othaya, Nyeri County, Kagwe cautioned that the region risks weakening its political influence by repeatedly turning against its own leaders rather than nurturing and retaining them.
“We are not a people who jump with emotions every time and spend all our energy criticising, criticising, criticising. That is not leadership,” Kagwe said.
“Development comes when you allow good leaders to serve, to grow, and to complete what they started.”
The service was attended by President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, and Members of Parliament from Othaya, Mathira and Nyeri Town, among other leaders.
Kagwe told the congregation that other regions have strengthened their political and economic standing by investing in leaders over long periods, allowing them to build experience, influence and networks that benefit their communities.
“Leadership is grown, not rented for one term,” he said. “You cannot uproot your crops every five years and expect a harvest.”
Although he did not mention names, Kagwe’s remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a Nyeri native who has openly clashed with President Ruto since his removal from office.
Gachagua has accused the government of marginalising the Mt Kenya region, claims the administration has repeatedly denied.
Kagwe, the only Cabinet Secretary from Nyeri County, urged the region to adopt a strategic approach to national politics and avoid confrontational rhetoric that could isolate it from government.
He also praised President Ruto for what he termed political maturity, citing his own appointment to the Agriculture and Livestock Development ministry despite not having supported Ruto during the election.
“That is leadership with wisdom,” Kagwe said. “It shows this government is about building a nation, not settling political scores.”
Calling on church leaders to pray for wisdom among voters and leaders alike, Kagwe said Kenya needs decision-making rooted in long-term national interests rather than anger or revenge.
He affirmed his loyalty to the current administration and pledged continued support for President Ruto’s agenda beyond the next general election.
“This is about continuity, stability and building systems that last,” Kagwe said. “That is how Mt Kenya and Kenya as a whole will prosper.”
