Caught between a rock and a hard place: Why Nakuru MPs are facing backlash over silence on national issues

The silence of Nakuru MPs on issues of national importance has raised concerns among residents who feel poorly represented.

Many have criticised their lack of clear positions on key issues, especially following controversial events such as the 2024 Finance Bill and the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

During the debate on the Finance Bill, which sparked nationwide protests led by Generation Z, Nakuru MPs largely avoided taking a public stance.

Most have also remained silent on the contentious issue of abductions, further frustrating their constituents.

The MPs appear to be caught in a dilemma between loyalty to their party leader, President William Ruto, and their constituents.

The political uncertainty in the Mt Kenya region appears to have exacerbated this, especially for MPs representing constituencies with links to the larger central block.

While Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has openly supported Gachagua, others such as Irene Njoki (Bahati), Samuel Gachobe (Subukia), Charity Kathambi (Njoro) and David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East) have avoided making clear statements.

These MPs have instead focused on constituency projects and stayed away from heated national debates.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, has sent mixed signals, voting against Gachagua's removal but remaining silent on the abductions.

Similarly, Njoro MP Kuria Kimani, whose house was targeted during the Gen Z protests, has also refrained from addressing the issues. Senator Tabitha Keroche has also kept a low profile following backlash to some of her public statements.

Benson Macharia, a Nakuru-based political commentator and chairman of Friends of Devolution, criticised MPs for failing to show leadership by taking independent and bold positions.

He accused them of privately condemning government policies while publicly avoiding accountability.

"Most MPs avoid the media for fear of either losing favour with the executive or facing a backlash from the electorate. But they have to decide whether to call out government wrongdoing or be seen as complicit," Macharia said.

Local politician Asumpta Wangai echoed these sentiments, urging leaders to provide clarity and direction. She accused them of confusing the public with their silence and called on them to actively fight for justice and better leadership.

"The people deserve to know where their leaders stand. It is their duty to join the citizens in demanding good governance and justice, not to retreat into silence," said Wangai.