Sibling rivalry: Moses Kuria, his brother clash over Juja MP seat

A simmering political rivalry within one family burst into the open, laying bare the deepening contest for control of Juja’s political future.

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and his brother Aloise Kinyanjui turned a solemn gathering into a subtle battleground, each attempting to outmanoeuvre the other as they rallied support for opposing camps.

The rivalry played out when the two attended a memorial service in Gachororo, an event widely publicised as a commemoration to mark five years since the death of Juja’s first MP, Francis Munyua Waititu, popularly known as Wakapee.

As the two leaders took turns addressing the crowds, the contest quickly shifted from polite endorsements to a veiled exchange of criticism, with each side highlighting stalled and unfulfilled development projects in Juja.

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Kuria, a seasoned political figure, is backing Michael Waititu, the son of the former MP, who is seeking the seat on a UDA ticket.

On the other hand, his brother Kinyanjui has thrown his hat into the ring under the DCP party, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown defined not just by party loyalty but also by family ties stretched to their limits.

When he rose to speak, Kuria reminded the public of his role in supporting the election of current MP George Koimburi during the by-election that followed Wakapee’s death.

What unfolded was more than just political posturing. It was a rare public display of sibling rivalry, where promises made and broken became the currency of persuasion, and the church pulpit an arena for a battle that could reshape Juja’s political landscape.

“For the respect you people of Juja have given me, even in Gatundu, where I do not have much, you are lucky to have two MPs. Because of that respect, I promise you five things. One, there is a market called Mwerevu. It will be completed like others in Juja. Second, Kimbo–Matangi Road, and also Witeithie–Maraba Road,” Kuria said.

He went on to promise employment opportunities to several youths, even calling some of them to the front of the church.

“We will get jobs for these youths so that they can support themselves and others. Even if it means I push for it forcefully. I am a Catholic, I will take it by force and repent later. When you get jobs, please take care,” Kuria said.

He later contributed Sh500,000 towards the construction of the church before leaving hurriedly with a group of gospel musicians led by Ben Githae, alongside his supporters.

When he rose to speak, Kinyanjui said that he had previously vied for the seat and urged the people not to re-elect the current government, arguing that many of its promises remain unfulfilled.

“They have listed several roads they now claim they will implement, yet they have been in power for five years and have not delivered. Do you think they will implement them now? Those are total lies,” he said.

“It is very sinful to promise youths jobs and fail to deliver. Who will fulfil those promises? He has already left. As for me, I will give those youths Sh20,000,” Kinyanjui added in response to his brother’s remarks.

The former police officer said he remains firmly in the DCP party and urged residents to support its leadership under Rigathi Gachagua.

He accused leaders allied to the current administration of failing the electorate despite being the ones who fronted them. Kinyanjui promised 100 bags of cement towards the construction of the church.

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In his remarks, Githae cautioned the people against taking sides too personally, noting that the two politicians are brothers bound by blood despite their political differences.

“Do not get caught in the middle of their battles. One can even donate a kidney to the other, but you cannot. Just listen to them, go home peacefully, and let them meet later and share tea at their mother’s home in Gatundu,” Githae said.

Although the event had been widely circulated on social media as a commemoration of Wakapee’s death, there were no clear signs of such a tribute, with only his son, who accompanied Kuria, present.

Waititu was the first Member of Parliament for Juja Constituency after it was carved out of Thika Town and Ruiru constituencies. He was elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 despite battling brain cancer, which saw him seek treatment both locally and abroad before he succumbed in February 2021.

The rivalry between Kuria and his brother has been simmering for some time. Recently, when Kinyanjui held a dowry ceremony in Gatundu, Kuria did not attend.

Currently, Juja Constituency is represented by Koimburi.