Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe on Sunday joined President William Ruto at ACK St Paul’s Church, Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County, where he delivered one of his strongest political messages yet to the Mt Kenya region — urging voters to reject politics of anger and short-termism in favour of stable, long-term leadership.
The church service was attended by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, and MPs from Othaya, Mathira and Nyeri Town, among other leaders.
Kagwe warned that Mt Kenya risks weakening itself by constantly tearing down its own leaders instead of building and retaining them.
“We are not a people who jump with emotions every time and spend all our energy criticising, criticising, criticising. That is not leadership,” Kagwe said. “Development comes when you allow good leaders to serve, to grow, and to complete what they started.”He told the congregation that other regions in Kenya have grown powerful politically and economically because they invest in leaders over time, allowing them to accumulate experience, influence and networks that benefit their people.
“Leadership is grown, not rented for one term,” Kagwe said. “You cannot uproot your crops every five years and expect a harvest.”
The remarks were widely viewed as a veiled swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a Nyeri native who has remained openly hostile to President Ruto since his removal from office. Gachagua has accused the government of sidelining Mt Kenya, but critics argue he has failed to offer a clear alternative plan beyond attacking the President.
Kagwe, the only Cabinet Secretary from Nyeri, urged the region to think strategically about its place in national power and to avoid emotional politics that isolate it from government.
He also praised President Ruto for what he described as political maturity, pointing to his own appointment to the powerful Agriculture and Livestock Development docket despite not having supported Ruto in the election.
“That is leadership with wisdom,” Kagwe said. “It shows this government is about building a nation, not settling political scores.”
Calling on church leaders to pray for wisdom among Kenyans, Kagwe said the country needs leaders and voters who make decisions based on the future, not on anger or revenge.
He affirmed that he is firmly in government and fully aligned with President Ruto’s agenda, pledging to support the administration beyond the next general election.
“This is about continuity, stability and building systems that last,” Kagwe said. “That is how Mt Kenya and Kenya as a whole will prosper.”
