A section of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawmakers has publicly rejected the coronation of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the kingpin and spokesperson of the Mt Kenya region. The ceremony, held at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County, was attended by several leaders and was seen as an attempt to consolidate Kindiki's influence in the region. However, three MPs - Ndia's George Kariuki, Juja's George Koimburi, and Ndaragwa's George Gachagua - argue that the process was flawed.
The three legislators made their declaration during a meeting with Kiama Kia Ma elders held in Juja constituency. They argued that the ceremony was conducted without the full participation of GEMA community elders and lacked proper procedure. According to Kariuki, the process was arranged in secret and rushed through without following the established tradition for installing a community kingpin. This, they believe, undermines the legitimacy of Kindiki's coronation.
Kariuki pointed to a symbolic mishap during the event as evidence that the process had failed. The ceremonial crown worn by Kindiki slipped off his head, which the MP interpreted as a sign that the process had not been conducted correctly. The MPs also questioned Kindiki's suitability to lead the region, citing his alleged role in fracturing Mt Kenya's political unity rather than consolidating it.
Koimburi, who has recently positioned himself as a vocal critic of the deputy president, raised concerns about Kindiki's influence in government. He argued that the deputy president had been working alongside other government figures to undermine the region's interests rather than promote them. Koimburi also pointed to Kindiki's apparent absence from President William Ruto's recent tour of the Nyanza region as an example of his reduced standing in government circles.
The MPs' remarks signal growing unease within a section of Mt Kenya's political class over the manner in which the ceremony was organised. They also raise questions about whether the coronation carries genuine community endorsement or merely political backing. The rejection of Kindiki's coronation by the three MPs is seen as a significant development in the region's politics.
The coronation of Kindiki as Mt Kenya kingpin was seen as an attempt to consolidate his influence in the region. However, the three MPs argue that former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains the legitimate holder of that title. Kenyatta originally assumed the Mt Kenya kingpin role in 2011 and has maintained a strong connection with the region.
The three MPs have stated that they will seek Uhuru Kenyatta's blessing before any new kingpin is installed. This move is seen as an attempt to assert Kenyatta's continued influence in the region and to challenge Kindiki's legitimacy as the Mt Kenya kingpin. The development is likely to have significant implications for the region's politics and the UDA party.
Key points
- Three UDA MPs reject Kithure Kindiki's coronation as Mt Kenya kingpin, citing lack of inclusivity and proper procedure.
- MPs argue that former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains the legitimate holder of the Mt Kenya kingpin title.
- The rejection of Kindiki's coronation signals growing unease within Mt Kenya's political class over the ceremony's organisation and legitimacy.