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The appointment of Professor Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President is being touted as a major milestone that could reshape the political landscape of Mt Kenya East region, particularly in the counties of Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Meru.

Most political observers believe the appointment is a strategic move to balance political power and influence within Kenya’s Central region, in particular, aimed at containing the growing influence of Kindiki’s predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.

Although his appointment fuelled political cracks in the larger Mt Kenya region, it has also placed him as the most influential politician with the ability to unite and solidify the vote- rich region. This comes even as Gachagua launches a bruising battle to save his political career and reclaim his position in the Mt Kenya region.

“By positioning Kindiki as Deputy President, the government seems to be ensuring that Gachagua does not become the uncontested leader of the region, thus maintaining a careful political equilibrium,” says Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi.

Mwangangi says that while Gachagua’s influence in Central Kenya is formidable, the appointment of Kindiki is a tactical decision aimed at keeping a check on that influence.

Local leaders from the three counties that form the Lower Eastern, view Kindiki as the long-awaited prodigal son and have gone ahead to unanimously endorse him as the regional kingpin.

Kindiki was a key figure in the Senate, where he had previously served as Senate Majority Leader. His appointment as Deputy President marks the culmination of years of work and loyalty to his political allies, positioning him as a powerful force in the region.

According to former Meru governor and veteran politician Kiraitu Murungi, since Kindiki’s appointment, the region has experienced for the first time the most solid political unity and togetherness.

“Mt Kenya East has united and for the first time in history it’s now speaking in one voice because even those who were in the opposition and criticising the government have now joined this ship because of Kindiki,” he said.

According to Kiraitu, in politics there is nothing like betrayal as it is all about interests and values.

Tigania East MP. Mburu Aburi who has always been an ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is in the list of legislators, governors, senators, MCAs and other politicians from Meru and Tharaka who have unanimously thrown their weight Kindiki.

“Kindiki has brought everybody together not only in Mt Kenya East but also in the neighbouring counties including Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa and others across the country due to his effective service delivery. When he was the Interior Cabinet Secretary, he was ranked the top performing CS so many Kenyans have a lot of trust and hope in him,” said MP Aburi.

According to political analyst Dr Martin Oloo of the University of Nairobi, Kindiki’s appointment is likely to have profound implications for the political alliances and rivalries that have historically defined Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Meru.

“The Mt. Kenya region has been a stronghold of political power for decades, with its influence reaching into both national and local elections. However, political fragmentation within the region has often led to fierce competition among its counties,” he observed.

The scholar says that Kindiki’s appointment is expected to bring about a sense of unity.

“As a leader who has the support of various key political players in the region, Kindiki’s role as Deputy President could consolidate the region’s political forces under one banner, especially as the next general elections approach,” he says.

Gachagua factor

According to Dr Oloo, this consolidation could lead to a more cohesive political identity, with a shared focus on the region’s economic development and governance.

But as leaders from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi bask in the glory of Kindiki’s appointment, Gachagua has been making forays, particularly in the Central Kenya region where he has insisted on being the kingpin.

In December, Gachagua promised that he would give the Mt Kenya region the political direction to follow in the new year as he revealed plans to craft a new political party and coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gachagua described his 2022 support for President Ruto as a “political miscalculation” and vowed not to repeat the same mistake as he works with like-minded leaders to unveil a new political direction.

“I am holding deliberations with traders, professionals, and leaders from the mountain, and in January next year (2025), I will give direction the mountain will follow to chart our destiny,” he said.

In recent months, the Mount Kenya region has witnessed intense political activity, with Gachagua facing off his opponents who claim he is not the right person to fill the political void left by former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the region kingpin.

Gachagua has clashed with politicians in the struggle to control the vote-rich region including Kindiki, National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, MP Ndindi Nyoro, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria (who was recently appointed by Ruto as a senior adviser in the Council of Economic Advisers), and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.

According to a political analyst Paul Mugambi, Kindiki has positioned himself as a broad national leader with a greater appeal beyond Mt Kenya.

“In fact, the recent meeting between Ruto and Uhuru that was followed by the appointment of close allies of the former president to the Cabinet tells you that Gachagua’s political strength in the mountain has weakened and he might not be able to command a large following ahead of 2027,” Mugambi opines.