The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Political leaders from across Kenya’s divide have called on citizens to reject leaders who exploit ethnicity and division for political gain, warning that the country must not repeat the painful mistakes of the past as it heads toward the 2027 General Election.
The appeal was made during the funeral service of Mary Wangui Mwangi, the mother of Kenya Patriots Party leader and Nairobi businesswoman Dr Agnes Kagure, held at Gitathiini Village in Nyeri Town Constituency.
Photo/Some of the leaders who attended the burial ceremony.
The gathering attracted leaders from different political parties, many of whom used the occasion to advocate national cohesion, integrity, and issue-based politics.
National Economic Development Party (NEDP) leader and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko urged Kenyans to be vigilant against politicians who thrive on hate, misinformation, and ethnic mobilisation.
“Kenyans should refrain from listening to leaders likely to lead us to the dangerous path we treaded on in 2007, whose effects have not totally been forgotten,” Sonko said.
He recalled the devastating impact of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, noting that lives were lost, families displaced, and the country’s social fabric deeply damaged.
“As a people, we must learn from that history and choose leaders who unite us, not divide us,” he added.
Sonko stressed that Kenya’s development depends on electing leaders committed to service delivery, accountability, and national unity rather than tribal politics.
Siaya Deputy Governor Dr William Oduol echoed the sentiments, saying the country needs leaders guided by honesty, hard work, and integrity.
Photo/Siaya Deputy Governor Dr William Oduor addressing the mourners.
“We dissociate ourselves completely from politics of lies, disintegration and hate,” Oduol told mourners.
He praised Dr Kagure for embodying values he said she inherited from her late mother.
“The late Mama Wangui raised a daughter who believes in bringing Kenyans together regardless of tribe, religion or region. That is the kind of leadership this country needs,” he said.
Photo/Dr Agnes Kagure addressing the mourners.
The leaders also turned their attention to governance in Nairobi, criticising the county administration over alleged failures in service delivery and accountability.
Dr Kagure, who has declared interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, received endorsements from some speakers who described her as a capable alternative for the capital’s leadership.
Oduol cited the recent arrest of a county official allegedly found with more than KSh60 million in cash as a sign of the challenges facing City Hall.
“Nairobi deserves better. It deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable and focused on service delivery,” he said.
He argued that residents seeking meaningful change should support leaders who prioritise public welfare over personal interests.
During the ceremony, leaders differed on where Dr Kagure should pursue elective leadership, with some backing her Nairobi bid while others suggested she would also be a strong contender in her home county of Nyeri.
Democracy for Citizens Party Elders Council Chairman Maina Kamanda urged Mt Kenya residents to remain united and reject divisive politics that undermine economic progress.
“Our people are looking for markets for their milk, potatoes and tea. They are looking for good roads and affordable inputs,” Kamanda said. “They are not looking for leaders who will come every five years to divide them along tribal lines.”
He said unity and sound economic policies were essential to attracting investment and improving livelihoods.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, The New Democrats party leader Dr Thuo Mathenge, Jubilee vice-chairman David Murathe, youth leaders and various aspirants from Nyeri and neighbouring counties also attended the funeral.
Speakers pointed to the diverse attendance as evidence that many Kenyans desire leadership capable of bridging political and regional differences.
In emotional tributes, family members described Mary Wangui Mwangi as a disciplined and hardworking matriarch who valued community and family. She died at the age of 86, leaving behind 11 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visibly emotional Dr Kagure thanked Kenyans for supporting her family during the mourning period.
“She taught us that your tribe should never be a reason to hate your neighbour,” Kagure said. “If we carry that spirit into our politics and daily lives, Kenya will go far.”
As political activity gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the message from Gitathiini Village was unmistakable: Kenya’s future depends on rejecting leaders who sow division and embracing those who champion unity, peace and the common good.
