In a post that has already drawn thousands of views and shares on X, former Senior Advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, made a strong statement about Kiambu’s political direction. “Let me state categorically that Kiambu will always be part of Mt Kenya. And not an isolated Mt Kenya but one that will be a proud part and parcel of our wonderful nation, Kenya,” he wrote from his verified account @HonMoses_Kuria. He went on to declare that the region’s estimated six million voters would cast all their votes together in 2027 without demanding the presidency, the deputy slot, or top cabinet positions. “So let’s relax and chew popcorn for another 92 weeks,” he added with a touch of sarcasm, appearing to mock critics questioning Kiambu’s loyalty to the larger Mt Kenya bloc.
The post, made late Wednesday, comes amid growing calls from some Kiambu MPs pushing for the county to chart its own political course. Leaders such as Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe have insisted that Kiambu, with its 1.5 million voters and increasingly urban profile similar to Nairobi, deserves recognition as a stand-alone region to secure more resources. “We don’t want the President to be saying he has been to Kiambu when he visits Mt Kenya. Kiambu, we are a stand-alone region,” Kagombe said, a sentiment echoed by allies like Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a in recent rallies. Kuria’s message appears to be a direct rebuttal, dismissing what he described as divisive “Kiambu Mafia” maneuvers that could weaken the region’s collective bargaining power.
Reactions on X were swift, showing a community split down the middle. Supporters praised Kuria for defending unity. “Finally, someone speaking sense! Kiambu without Mt Kenya is like a tree without roots. United we stand for 2027,” wrote user @MtKenyaWarrior, whose post gained hundreds of likes. Another, @GatunduPride, added: “Kuria ni mwanaume! No more fragmentation. All votes in one basket, Ruto or whoever, but together. Popcorn ready!” These supporters see Kuria’s stance as a smart strategy to maximize Mt Kenya’s political weight without the usual bargaining for positions.
But there was no shortage of criticism. Detractors accused him of brushing aside Kiambu’s distinct challenges, from urban sprawl to youth unemployment and underfunded development projects. “Kuria, wake up! Kiambu isn’t your playground. We need our own share, not handouts from ‘Mt Kenya.’ Autonomy now!” retorted @KiambuRebel. Another, @ThikaHustler, shot back: “Six million votes? That’s fine, but where’s the water, jobs, and roads for Kiambu? Your unity talk feels like old politics. We’re cosmopolitan, treat us like it.” Soon hashtags such as #KiambuFirst and #NoMoreBaskets were trending, with memes showing Kuria munching popcorn alone as Kiambu residents struggled with basic needs.
The debate has spilled beyond social media to everyday conversations in Kiambu’s markets and tea stalls. Political analyst Jane Wanjiku noted in Thika that Kuria’s remarks touched a deeper issue. “Mt Kenya’s unity has been crucial in past elections, but Kiambu’s rapid growth means residents are demanding a bigger voice. Kuria is reassuring the traditional base, but he risks alienating the youth who view autonomy as empowerment.” Many younger voices online were particularly vocal, with one widely shared thread reading: “Uncle Moses, 2027 is ours. No baskets if it means no progress for Kiambu roads and schools.”
As the country looks ahead to a potentially decisive 2027 election, Kuria’s post highlights how delicate regional alliances have become. His call for a unified voting bloc has reignited debates over loyalty, identity, and resources. Whether his “one basket” pledge cements solidarity or deepens rifts remains uncertain. What is clear is that the political popcorn show has only just begun.
