In a significant political development, approximately 500 elders from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi Counties have severed ties with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, endorsing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the primary link between the Mt. Kenya East region and President William Ruto’s government.
At a press conference in Embu, the elders expressed their concerns about rising political tensions that they believe are detracting from crucial development issues. “These tensions distract us from the more important issues, such as completing development projects, improving the economic well-being of our farmers, and creating opportunities for our youth. We ask all political leaders to focus on unity and development instead of divisive rhetoric,” said Cyrus Ngeranwa, speaking on behalf of the group.
The elders endorsed Prof. Kithure Kindiki, stating that his national stature would facilitate better relations with other regions and help maintain a focus on development. “To ensure we remain focused on development, we endorse Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the link between our region, the President, and his government,” Ngeranwa added.
This endorsement is echoed by a youth group from the eastern Mt. Kenya region, which praised Kindiki as a leader embodying the ideals of a new Kenya free from ethnic bias and division. “We support the call for Prof. Kindiki to lead Mt. Kenya East’s engagement in national discussions to create networks that will advance Kenya,” said the youth leaders during their own press conference.
Last week, 40 legislators from Mt. Kenya West and the diaspora signed the ‘Nyahururu Declaration,’ bringing the total number of MPs supporting Kindiki to 69. This endorsement, coupled with the Mt. Kenya and Diaspora Parliamentary Leaders Forum’s backing of Kindiki, sets the stage for a potential political clash between CS Kindiki and Deputy President Gachagua over control of Central region politics.
