Leaders from the Mt Kenya East region have unanimously endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki as their official spokesperson and the primary link between the region and the national executive.

The endorsement comes at a time when the region is seeking to strengthen its influence within Kenya’s political landscape while also asserting its distinct identity within the larger Mt Kenya bloc, traditionally dominated by Mt Kenya West.

In a joint statement read by Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku on September 9, 2024, the leaders highlighted the desire of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties to work collectively for socioeconomic development.

The leaders from these counties emphasized the importance of prioritizing development projects that have stalled from the previous administration, such as road infrastructure and water projects, and called on the government to complete these initiatives.

The leaders further thanked President William Ruto for appointing three key figures from the region—Justin Muturi, Kindiki and Eric Mugaa — to the cabinet, recognizing it as a testament to the region’s growing political significance.

Kindiki vs Gachagua

The choice of Kindiki as the spokesperson is particularly intriguing given the presence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has long positioned himself as the leader of the entire region.

Gachagua, known for his outspoken advocacy of the controversial “One Man, One Vote, One Shilling” formula, has often found himself at odds with Kindiki’s more moderate and nation-focused stance.

Kindiki, who has previously pushed back against Gachagua’s ethnic-based politics, has argued that the nation’s success lies in unity and equitable development, rather than divisive regional agendas.

The elevation of Kindiki to this prominent role signifies a subtle but clear attempt by Mt Kenya East to carve out its own space in national politics, independent of Gachagua’s more centralized control over the entire voting bloc.

“Mt Kenya East holds significant voting numbers, making us a critical region in shaping the political and development direction of our country. Our voice and collective decisions in national matters cannot be assumed,” the leaders stated.

The leaders from the region underscored that their region boasts significant voting numbers and therefore deserves more development initiatives and employment opportunities to reflect its contribution to the national vote. By appointing Kindiki as their voice, they hope to ensure that the region’s priorities are heard and acted upon at the highest levels of government.

This move sets the stage for a potential recalibration of the region’s political power balance, with Kindiki now in a more prominent role. While Gachagua remains a key figure in the ruling administration, the rise of Kindiki as a spokesperson for Mt Kenya East could lead to more nuanced regional power plays as both leaders vie for influence in shaping the country’s political and development agenda.

Mt Kenya East leaders

Some of the elected leaders present include Mpuru Abuuri (Tigania East), Elizabeth Karambu (Woman Rep Meru), Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), John Mutunga (Tigania West), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Senator Alexander Mudigi (Embu), Dan Kiiri (Igembe Central), Gitonga Murugara (Tharaka), Pamela Njoki (Embu Woman Rep) Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Patrick Munene (Chuka – Igamba Ng’ombe) and Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South).

Others gave apologies apart from Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji and Tharaka-Nithi Woman Rep Susan Ngugi Muindu.