Former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria has faulted an emerging political outfit in the central region which he claims will derail development in the counties within Mount Kenya region.
Wa Iria on Friday alleged that both elected and non-elected political leaders who are associating themselves with the group dubbed ‘Itungati’ want to disrupt the government’s course on implementation of projects in the region.
He claimed the leaders have been mobilizing locals to defy government’s directives and heckle leaders who are aligned to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During a press conference held in Murang’a town, the former governor warned that the outfit may develop into a criminal sect calling security officers to investigate it and act accordingly.
“This Itungati outfit needs to be checked, it may turn out to be a very dangerous sect. Those associated with it are going round mobilizing locals and warning that those not associated with it will not be elected come 2027,” observed Wa Iria.
He cited some occasions where people rejected the reading of president William Ruto’s written condolences claiming that those against the head of state message to the bereaved family are being mobilized by members of Itungati.
“We had ‘Mungiki’ which terrorized Mount Kenya region for many years, now this group calling itself Itungati, if not checked, may be worse than the outlawed ‘Mungiki’,” he remarked.
Wa Iria pointed an accusing finger at former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua whom he alleged is trying to sway away people from central Kenya from the government.
“Let Gachagua focus on his personal issues and stop trying to paint a bad picture of the government to locals. The people need development and the President and his officers have to visit the region so as to initiate and implement development projects,” he added.
The former governor urged the youth and churches not to fall into traps of the group saying those who have issues with the government can use available legal avenues.
“Booing, heckling and stopping government officials from speaking to people will not solve anything but only deny development to this region. I urge leaders to unite behind the government of the day and agitate for more development projects,” he noted.
– Bernard Munyao
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