This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
On July 24, 2021, a gathering of Mt Kenya leaders at the Kenya Methodist University in Meru County turned into an impromptu demonstration of economic growth. Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, who was in attendance, pulled out cash from his pocket and handed it to a man standing next to the podium.
He also called a woman to the stage, giving her Ksh10,000 and instructing her to buy food for her children. Kabogo's actions were a clear message that growing the economy was more crucial than engaging in what he deemed 'retrogressive politics.'
"I am not here to show everyone that I have money but to demonstrate that money is important to Kenyans," Kabogo stated during the meeting.
The gathering, which was hosted by Agriculture CS Peter Munya, brought together prominent Mt Kenya leaders, including Governors Anne Waiguru, Lee Kinyanjui, and James Nyoro, as well as Deputy Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu and others. The meeting aimed to strategize support for the 2022 General Election.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya also took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto's 'bottom-up approach,' labeling it as nothing new. "Some individuals were always complaining that the Agriculture sector was stagnant and not working. Now that we have streamlined the sector, they are quiet and shouting 'bottom,'" he stated.
