A section of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MPs from Kenya has rejected Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's coronation as Mt Kenya's kingpin and spokesperson. The ceremony, held at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County, was attended by several leaders but lacked the involvement of all elders and the community's blessings. The MPs, including Ndia MP George Kariuki, Juja MP George Koimburi, and Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua, stated that the region's leadership mantle still belongs to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The UDA MPs argued that the process of coronating Kindiki was secretly hatched and hurriedly executed, rather than following the established procedure for installing a community kingpin. They claimed that the ceremony was communal rather than political and that all elders from the GEMA community should have been consulted. Kariuki dismissed the exercise as a sham, pointing out that the ceremonial crown worn by Kindiki fell off his head during the event, signaling a failed process.
The lawmakers maintained that Uhuru, who assumed the role in 2011, remains the region's recognized leader. They stated that they would seek the former President's blessings before any new kingpin is installed. Koimburi, who has emerged as a fierce critic of the Deputy President, said the region cannot be led by someone who has been working with other government leaders to divide Mt Kenya.
Koimburi also claimed that Kindiki had failed to stamp his authority in the current administration, citing his apparent absence from several State functions, including President William Ruto's recent tour of the Nyanza region. He said the time was ripe for the region to pick a strong leader who would champion its interests beyond 2027.
The MPs also faulted Kindiki over the illicit and second-generation brews that continue to ravage the region, claiming lives and ruining thousands of young people. Kariuki said they would push for the enforcement of existing laws as they step up the fight against outlawed and counterfeit liquor.
Kikuyu elders, led by Maina wa Kibe and Mwangi Kagumo, expressed their shock at learning of the coronation through the media. The Kiambu Kiama elders said they were not involved in the process and termed the entire exercise a sham, noting that such ceremonies are traditionally conducted in a shrine and not on a public ground.
The elders pitied the Deputy President for being misled, while the UDA MPs reiterated that they only recognize Uhuru as the region's rightful kingpin. The rejection of Kindiki's coronation has sparked a fresh debate about leadership in the Mt Kenya region, with the UDA MPs determined to champion the region's interests.
Key points
- UDA MPs reject Kindiki's coronation as Mt Kenya kingpin, citing lack of community involvement.
- The MPs argue that the process was secretly hatched and hurriedly executed, rather than following established procedures.
- The region's leadership mantle is still recognized to belong to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
