Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki, also known as GK, has called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take action against Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kimilili MP Didimus Barasa for allegedly demeaning Mt Kenya people. Speaking at Sagana Secondary School in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, Kariuki emphasized that leaders should not be allowed to insult communities. He urged Deputy President Kithure Kindiki not to allow such remarks to continue.
Kariuki stated that Mt Kenya people contributed significantly to the formation of the current government, particularly in helping President William Ruto secure votes in the 2022 elections. He noted that President Ruto himself has never insulted the Mt Kenya community, and therefore, others should refrain from doing so. The MP warned that he would mention the person insulting Mt Kenya people by name if they continued with such behavior.
The Ndia MP expressed his willingness to compensate for any perceived injustices committed by Mt Kenya people, stating that he would pay for any camel allegedly eaten by them. He emphasized that Mt Kenya people should be left alone to support the government and plan for their future without being demeaned by others. Kariuki also highlighted his contribution of 52,000 votes from Ndia Constituency to President Ruto's election.
Kariuki criticized Kimilili MP Didimus Barasa for suggesting that people from Mt Kenya should not get jobs in Western Kenya. He advocated for meritocracy, emphasizing that job applications should be based on qualifications, experience, and capacity, rather than tribal affiliation. Kariuki warned that such tribal talk would not benefit the country and urged leaders to stop perpetuating such sentiments.
In the education sector, Kariuki revealed that he has issued Ksh.17 million from his own pocket to support day secondary schools in Ndia, enabling students to learn without paying fees. He also claimed to have given Ksh.13 million in the second term for the same program, highlighting the importance of education as the best inheritance for children.
Kariuki, who chairs the Transport Committee in the National Assembly, reiterated his call for leaders to exercise caution in their utterances, particularly when addressing communities. He emphasized that leaders should weigh their words and avoid malice, citing the significant contributions of various constituencies to President Ruto's election.
The MP's sentiments come amid rising concerns about tribal tensions and inflammatory remarks by some leaders. Kariuki's call for NCIC to take action against CS Duale and MP Barasa underscores the need for national cohesion and integration. As the issue continues to unfold, stakeholders will be watching to see how the commission responds to Kariuki's allegations and appeals.
Key points
- Ndia MP George Kariuki urges NCIC to take action against CS Aden Duale and MP Didimus Barasa for demeaning Mt Kenya people.
- Kariuki advocates for meritocracy in job applications, rejecting tribal-based employment.
- The MP has issued Ksh.17 million to support day secondary schools in Ndia, emphasizing the importance of education.
