North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has thrown his weight behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as President William Ruto’s preferred running mate in the 2027 General Election, saying the former Interior Cabinet Secretary has demonstrated the capacity to support the President.
Dawood said the Mount Kenya region should approach the next election as a united voting bloc rather than being divided into Mt Kenya East and West.
“Prof Kindiki has been an able deputy,” Dawood said, adding that the region would rally behind the Ruto-Kindiki ticket when the time comes.
His remarks come amid renewed political debate over the 2027 contest, with Dawood dismissing calls by some political formations for a share of government, saying such demands should not be confused with sharing the presidency.
Dawood also raised concern over the circulation of cheap alcoholic drinks and illicit brews, saying weak penalties against offenders could be encouraging continued production and sale of the substances.
He called for a coordinated approach involving the police, National Government Administration Officers and the Judiciary to combat illicit brews and second-generation alcohol.
“There is a need for a multisectoral approach to tackle illicit brews and second-generation alcohol,” he said.
The MP further urged the Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board to tighten licensing controls, particularly for bars located near schools and outlets that allow customers to drink outside or inside vehicles.
Dawood said the county government should take tougher measures against alcohol sellers to curb excessive drinking, particularly among young people.
On the proposed construction of an airstrip in North Imenti Forest, Dawood said the facility would occupy less than 20 acres and was intended for use by the Kenya Forest Service.
The proposed project has attracted opposition from conservationists and some residents who fear it could interfere with wildlife conservation, particularly an elephant corridor and maternity area.
Dawood said he was willing to reconsider his position if evidence showed that the project would adversely affect conservation efforts.
“If I hold a meeting and confirm that it is indeed true, I might consider withdrawing or asking for it because I will not want it to interfere with wildlife conservation,” he said.
The MP said he was not opposed to conservationists and acknowledged the need to protect elephants while also addressing human-wildlife conflict in areas where the animals have been destroying crops.
“We still have to think about the elephants which are destroying people’s crops. We need to take them away in Kithoka and Ruiri,” he said.
