North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of allegedly misleading the electorate to discard him at the ballot on ethnic grounds.
Speaking at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Meru, Dawood challenged Gachagua to understand that leadership should be determined by performance rather than race or tribe.
"It is unfortunate when someone tells the people of North Imenti not to elect me because of my race or tribe. What kind of leadership is that? Leaders should be elected based on their manifesto, vision and development record, not tribalism, racism or ethnicity," Dawood said.
The legislator termed Gachagua's position contradictory, noting that several leaders have successfully won elective seats outside their communities of origin.
"We have three MPs from Central Kenya who were elected in Taita Taveta County. The same person campaigning against my re-election has also endorsed a candidate from another community to contest in Thika. That is the irony," he said.
Dawood, who has represented North Imenti for several terms, said voters have known him throughout his political career regardless of his background.
"'Sasa kweli watu wangu hii miaka yote hamkujua rangi yangu ni hii?' Should I now start applying kiwi shoe polish to change my skin colour?" he quipped, drawing laughter from the congregation.
He urged Meru residents to reject divisive politics and instead support leaders based on their record of service and ability to deliver development.
The MP also campaigned for the re-election of President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in the 2027 General Election, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration should be given time to complete ongoing development programmes.
Quoting Proverbs 19:21, Dawood expressed confidence in Kindiki's political future.
"There are many plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. The Deputy President should not fear anything. If it is God's plan for him to become President in 2032, nothing will stop it," he said.
Dawood further lauded Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku for coordinating relief food distribution to drought-affected areas, saying North Imenti had received 10 lorries of food for vulnerable families.
"Since his appointment, CS Ruku has ensured Meru and neighbouring counties receive relief food. In North Imenti alone, I received 10 lorries of relief food that have been distributed to residents affected by hunger. It is always good to share with those who have less," he said.
The MP also acknowledged the Catholic Church in Meru and Tharaka Nithi for supporting vulnerable families and complementing government efforts in humanitarian assistance.
