Why Mt. Kenya keeps electing one-term MPs- Morara

INJECT Party leader Morara Kebaso has shared his insights on why many MPs from the Mt. Kenya region often fail to secure a second term, despite winning their initial elections with strong support.

In an exclusive interview on May 20, 2025, with the YouTube channel Kogi’s Corner, Morara attributed this pattern to the Mt. Kenya electorate’s preference for fresh political faces who offer relatable messages and bold, visionary agendas that resonate deeply with voters.

He also highlighted the community’s openness to candidates from outside their counties, provided those individuals have spent considerable time integrating into the local area and building genuine relationships.

"It’s entirely possible for someone from Kisii, for example, to become an MP in Mt. Kenya. The key is living within the community, forging real friendships, earning their trust, and making meaningful promises. That’s why many MPs there only serve a single term — they come in, serve one term, then voters move on," Morara explained.

He further commended Mt. Kenya voters for their strong loyalty and unwavering focus on development, emphasizing that unlike other regions, their MPs are rigorously held accountable and closely scrutinized if they fail to deliver concrete progress during their tenure.

He pointed out that politicians campaigning in Mt. Kenya aren’t greeted with demands for handouts to win over crowds; instead, they face genuine calls for development projects, which they must fulfill to earn ongoing support and positive relations during future visits.

“Even MPs who are vocal in Nairobi understand the importance of delivering results back home, because there’s no tolerance for empty promises in Central Kenya. The community is actively involved in monitoring projects—for example, women’s groups regularly visit your office to demand the water project you pledged, not money but a real, tangible project," Morara explained.

"In contrast, in regions like Nyanza and Western, the dynamic is different; politicians often need to provide maize flour or other handouts to gain attention, or else they’re ignored."

He dismissed the notion that the Mt. Kenya community is inherently tribal, clarifying that while some leaders may exhibit tribal tendencies, the ordinary citizens on the ground are not driven by ethnic bias.

"If that were the case, President Ruto, a Kalenjin, wouldn’t have received the overwhelming support he did from the region. The truth is, Mt. Kenya voters are sharp, discerning, and extremely rational,” Morara stated.