A recent event at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu has exposed a new wave of political rivalry in the Mt Kenya region, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The gathering, attended by elders from the Agikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities, saw Prof Kithure Kindiki being endorsed as the region's spokesperson. The move is seen as an attempt by supporters of President William Ruto to elevate Kindiki's profile. The event was also marked by the presence of six elderly groups from Mt Kenya, who pledged their support for Ruto and Kindiki.
The event was defended by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, who has been at the forefront of the debate on the region's political direction. Ruku described the event as a formal declaration by Mt Kenya elders to recognize Kindiki as their spokesperson. The event also appeared to put to rest Ruku's proposal to divide Mt Kenya into Eastern and Western regions. Ruku had been using a machete and a saw as symbols to drive home his point.
However, the event was not without controversy, as some elders and politicians rejected the legitimacy of the gathering. Kung'u Muigai, a leader of Kiama Kia Ma, opposed Kindiki's coronation, while Wachira Kiago, chairman of the Agikuyu Elders' Council, stated that his group had not participated in the event. Muigai questioned the motives of some elders who attended the event, citing their previous visits to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua, now leader of the DCP, distanced himself from the event and denied any involvement with the elders who organized it. He claimed that some attendees were paid Sh3,000 each, although this has not been verified. Gachagua described the event as a political scheme to secure safe seats for Kindiki and Ruku, on behalf of President Ruto.
Kindiki was appointed Deputy President on November 1, 2024, following Gachagua's removal from office. Since then, he has been positioning himself as a unifying figure between the Kenya Kwanza administration and Mt Kenya communities. Kindiki has emphasized his role as Ruto's running mate in the 2027 elections. However, his leadership in the region is contested by Gachagua, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other politicians.
Other leaders, including Juja MP George Koimburi and Ndia MP George Kariuki, also questioned the legitimacy of Kindiki's coronation. The event has sparked a heated debate about the region's political direction and the influence of various leaders. The Mt Kenya region is considered a crucial voting bloc, and the succession of events will likely shape the 2027 general elections.
The controversy surrounding Kindiki's elevation has highlighted the complex politics of the Mt Kenya region. As the 2027 elections approach, the region is likely to experience more intense politicking and maneuvering. The legitimacy and impact of Kindiki's new role as Mt Kenya spokesperson remain to be seen.
Key points
- - Prof Kithure Kindiki has been endorsed as the Mt Kenya spokesperson in a move seen as an attempt to elevate his profile by supporters of President William Ruto. - The event was attended by elders from Agikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities, who pledged their support for Ruto and Kindiki. - The move has sparked controversy, with some leaders rejecting the legitimacy of the gathering and others questioning Kindiki's role in the region.
