North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood. Photo by Dennis Dibondo. 
By Dennis Dibondo
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has opposed proposals to divide the Mount Kenya voting bloc into Eastern and Western regions, saying the region should remain united ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Dawood said attempts to create political divisions within Mount Kenya would not serve the interests of residents, maintaining that the region would speak with one voice when the time comes to make its political decision.
The legislator also expressed confidence that President William Ruto will retain Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Dawood said Kindiki had demonstrated his ability to serve as Deputy President and dismissed suggestions that political parties seeking a share of government would necessarily be entitled to half of the presidency.
“Professor Kindiki has been an able deputy. I was in Naivasha the other day and ODM was talking about getting half of the government. Half of the government does not mean getting half of the presidency,” Dawood said.
He maintained that Mount Kenya would eventually rally behind President Ruto and Kindiki when the political contest for 2027 gains momentum.
On the controversial proposal to construct an airstrip in the North Imenti Forest, Dawood defended the project, saying the facility would occupy less than 20 acres and would primarily serve the Kenya Forest Service.
The proposed airstrip has attracted opposition from conservationists and sections of the local community, who have raised concerns that it could interfere with wildlife conservation, particularly an elephant corridor and maternity area.
Dawood said he was not opposed to conservation efforts and disclosed that Rhino Ark CEO Christian Lambart was expected to meet him over the concerns.
“If indeed 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.
However, the MP argued that the region also needed solutions to persistent human-wildlife conflict, particularly the destruction of farmers’ crops by elephants in areas such as Kithoka and Ruiri.
Dawood also called for a multi-sectoral approach to address the circulation of cheap alcoholic drinks and illicit brews in the country.
He expressed concern that some illicit alcohol manufacturers were receiving relatively light penalties, which he said could encourage them to continue with the illegal trade.
“There is need for a multisectoral approach to tackle illicit brews and second-generation alcohol by involving the police, national government administration officers and the Judiciary,” Dawood said.
He further urged the Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board to tighten licensing regulations and avoid approving bars located near schools.
The MP also called for action against liquor outlets that allow customers to drink outside their premises or inside vehicles, saying such practices contribute to uncontrolled alcohol consumption.
“The county government should have stern measures on alcohol sellers to ensure we control and minimise the drinking of alcohol, especially among young people,” Dawood said.
His remarks come as concerns over illicit alcohol, youth drinking and the enforcement of liquor licensing regulations continue to dominate public debate in Meru and other parts of the country.
