Kiambu politics has taken a fresh turn with Riabai MCA Hezron Gachui throwing his weight behind calls for opposition unity, saying Kenyans must work together to bring about what he termed better and more responsive leadership.
Mr Gachui, who is seeking to become the next Member of Parliament for Kiambu Constituency, made the remarks while welcoming Jubilee Party presidential candidate Dr Fred Matiang’i to Kiambu, where the former Cabinet Secretary held engagements with residents and attended a church service.
Gachui said the country needed leaders capable of putting national interests ahead of partisan politics, arguing that political parties should not become an obstacle to cooperation among leaders seeking to address the challenges facing Kenyans.
He praised Dr Matiang’i for his record in government during the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, particularly his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and later Education, as well as his service in other government portfolios.
According to Gachui, Matiang’i’s experience in government gives him an understanding of the challenges facing the country and the demands of leadership.
“His leadership is what the country needs so that Kenyans can feel the presence of good leadership,” Gachui said.
The MCA said the opposition was increasingly finding common ground despite differences in party affiliation, describing the emerging cooperation as necessary for the country’s political and economic future.
He said leaders should be prepared to work together where they share common objectives, rather than allowing party differences to divide Kenyans.
Gachui’s remarks come as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election, with alliances and coalition-building expected to dominate the political landscape in the coming months.
He said the ultimate focus should be on the interests of ordinary citizens, who he argued were more concerned about better services, economic opportunities and accountable leadership than political party rivalries.
Dr Matiang’i, meanwhile, used his visit to Githunguri to appeal for peaceful politics, urging leaders and their supporters to reject violence and conduct campaigns with respect for one another.
Speaking during a church service at A.C.K St John’s Kianjai, the Jubilee Party leader said Kenyans shared a common destiny and could only address the country’s challenges by working together.
“Sisi sote ni ndugu na dada, hakuna vile tutasaidia nchi yetu bila kusimama pamoja,” Dr Matiang’i said, urging Kenyans to remain united.
He also condemned political violence and called for campaigns anchored on peace, dignity and respect.
The former Cabinet Secretary said he supported calls by religious leaders for politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid rhetoric that could threaten national stability.
He said political competition should not be allowed to undermine the country’s cohesion, noting that leaders had a responsibility to protect peace as the country heads towards the next General Election.
“Naungana na viongozi wa dini kwa taarifa ambayo walitoa jana kuwa tufanye campaign ya amani na heshima na tuzingatie stability ya nchi yetu,” Matiang’i said.
His remarks place peace and stability at the centre of his emerging presidential campaign, as he seeks to build support across different regions and political formations.
For Gachui, the political contest will also be about his record and plans for Kiambu residents.
The Riabai MCA said his aspiration to represent Kiambu Constituency in Parliament was driven by the desire to provide stronger representation and ensure residents’ priorities receive attention.
He vowed to place the interests of constituents at the centre of his leadership if elected in 2027.
Gachui said residents deserved an MP who would remain accessible, champion development and push for government programmes and resources that directly benefit the constituency.
He also called on Kiambu residents to scrutinise candidates based on their leadership credentials, ability to deliver and commitment to public service.
The MCA’s endorsement of Matiang’i adds a local dimension to the former Cabinet Secretary’s efforts to consolidate political support as the 2027 contest begins to take shape.
With political alliances expected to shift in the months ahead, Kiambu is likely to remain a key battleground in the search for a broad opposition coalition capable of mounting a formidable challenge in the presidential and parliamentary contests.
For now, Gachui says the message from Kiambu is one of unity, service and a politics that puts the interests of citizens ahead of political divisions.
