Politician Kimani Ngunjiri has cautioned Kenyans against embracing divisive politics, warning that rising hostility, ethnic attacks, and what he described as extortionist political practices pose a threat to national unity and economic stability.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Friday, Ngunjiri urged citizens to reject leaders who promote conflict and instead focus on coexistence, peace, and the freedom to conduct business without fear or pressure.
He insisted that no community in Kenya should consider itself superior to others, stressing that the country’s strength lies in its diversity. He dismissed claims that certain regions are politically or economically sidelined, saying such narratives only fuel unnecessary tension and weaken the country’s social fabric.
Addressing perceptions about North Eastern Kenya, Ngunjiri rejected portrayals that paint the region as unsafe or unproductive. He described it as peaceful and full of opportunity, noting that people from different parts of the country live and trade there.
“North Eastern it is not bad, it’s a very potential place,” he said.
He encouraged Kenyans to explore opportunities in the region, adding, “Please try to discover what you can be able to do there. It’s a good place.”
Turning to national leadership, Ngunjiri criticised confrontational politics, warning that constant conflict with multiple groups often signals poor judgment. He questioned leadership approaches that rely on attacking elders, institutions, and fellow leaders at the same time.
“When you fight with everybody you are fighting with the old people in Central, you are fighting with the President, there is something not normal,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that the Mount Kenya region has lost political influence, describing such statements as misleading and rushed. According to him, the region remains a key political player within the country.
“Don’t repeat again that murima is gone, gone where? murima is in Kenya and murima is there,” he said.
Ngunjiri noted that political moods shift quickly and warned against reading too much into temporary disagreements. He pointed out that leaders who were once openly opposed to the government later found ways to work together, showing how fast alliances can change.
“Changes with a day,” he said.
On leadership in Mount Kenya, he argued that the region currently lacks a single figure who can unite voters around a presidential bid. He explained that unity often forms around a clear candidate, which he said is missing at the moment.
“You can only join it together when it has a candidate, we must not candidate currently,” he said.
He added that voters are ultimately driven by the desire for stability and the ability to earn a living. According to him, emotional political debates often fade after elections, leaving people focused on daily survival and business.
“What they like at the end of the day is to do their business,” he said.
The politician also raised concerns about corruption within opposition politics, alleging that some leaders demand money from aspiring candidates in exchange for support. He described the practice as extortion and warned that it undermines democracy.
“That’s what I told you exactly called extortion. If you don’t give me money yeah you will not go anywhere.”
Ngunjiri said such actions distort leadership choices and deny capable leaders a fair chance.
“This is not politics,” he said.
He further blamed poor judgment and lack of restraint for the political isolation of some leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. According to Ngunjiri, creating enemies across the political divide weakens leadership and influence.
“He created so many enemies himself. He did not use wisdom,” he said, adding that humility and self-control are vital qualities in leadership.
Reflecting on Kenya’s social makeup, Ngunjiri said unity does not mean sameness but peaceful coexistence among different communities. He emphasized that diversity is the country’s true strength.
“The beauty of this country is that diversity,” he said.
“We have Kisii we have Kalenjin we have Kikuyu we have Somalis.”
He criticised leaders who spend time attacking rivals instead of offering clear solutions to the problems facing ordinary Kenyans. He said millions struggle daily and deserve leaders who focus on real issues rather than personal battles.
“Tell us what you are going to do specifically,” he said.
Ngunjiri ended with a warning to voters, urging them to think beyond short-term emotions when choosing leaders. He said poor leadership decisions have lasting consequences for the country.
“If you don’t elect a good politician we are going to be in a big problem,” he said.
