Is ” Washenzi movement” founder Ngunjiri a political attack dog?

Kimani Ngunjiri

To many who know the current crop of lawmakers in Nakuru County, the mention of Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri conjures up the image of a political attack dog.

For long, he has been regarded as one of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ardent loyalists who will go to any length to defend the current leadership.

But his criticism of Mr Kenyatta over the past week, which included leading a protest in Nakuru Town, has lifted the lid on the temperament of the 66-year-old legislator serving his second term.

He is a man who divides opinion. To his admirers, he is bold, courageous and heroic — a man who will not hesitate to break the rules while fighting for the rights of residents.

To his critics, he is a mere gadfly that always attacks, annoys or criticises others so as to be seen to be on top of things.

Given his reputation, many politicians in Nakuru County would not dare take him head-on, as they know he spoils for a fight.

His occupation before he became a lawmaker constantly put him in the line of fire.

He was a co-founder of Twin Auctioneers in Nakuru and his violent approach to things was evident when, on one occasion, he clamped a Mercedes Benz car belonging to Uasin Gishu-based tycoon Jackson Kibor outside a Kanu office.

Former Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma has also tasted his wrath — Mr Ngunjiri attacked him in front of Mr Kenyatta, then chairman of Kanu’s Kiambu branch, at a Nakuru hotel.

After he got the voters’ mandate to be an MP, he was bound to be a bigger rabble-rouser.

During the campaigns preceding the 2017 General Election, this writer asked a close confidante of Mr Ngunjiri to disclose what the constituents didn’t know about him.

The answer was concise: “Mr Ngunjiri is as fast and furious with his fists as he is with his mouth,” said the aide.

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