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Since assuming office as Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki has emerged as a significant figure in the Mt Kenya political landscape.

In his latest move to strengthen his presence in the region, Kindiki met with a section of Embu leaders on Friday, January 17, 2025, at his Karen official residence.

The meeting, which is part of the Deputy President’s broader engagement with the vote-rich region, brought together Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly, and grassroots opinion shapers from Embu County.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various development projects to be undertaken and the roll-out of citizen empowerment programs.

“Engagement with Embu County leaders and grassroots opinion shapers on the County’s development priorities for the revitalisation of critical value chains and citizen empowerment programs,” Kindiki said in a statement shared oh his official social media pages.

The meeting comes amid growing tensions in the region.

Troubled region

On January 3, 2025, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi faced hostility from Embu residents during the burial of Eric Mutugi, son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, when he attempted to present President William Ruto’s condolence message.

The incident highlighted widespread public discontent with government leadership in the region, particularly following last year’s impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Several Mount Kenya lawmakers, including some from Gachagua’s Nyeri constituency, supported the impeachment motion.

Since then, the President’s allies have faced significant backlash in their constituencies, with some being heckled or chased away from public rallies.

This has complicated their re-election prospects for the 2027 polls.

Speaking at the same burial ceremony where Muturi faced hostility, Gachagua accused his former allies of betraying the community.

“The problem lies with leaders who betray our community for personal gain. They have taken money and sold us out, leading to our current predicament. Moving forward, we need to be proven and tested patriots as leaders – people who won’t sacrifice community interests for their benefit,” Gachagua said.