The call for political reciprocity in Mt Kenya politics has received a major boost after National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah openly rallied support for Mt Kenya East, signalling a possible shift in the region’s power dynamics ahead of future contests.

Speaking at the Kangaru Girls School grounds in Embu during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Ichung’wah said Mt Kenya East had stood firmly with Mt Kenya West for decades and that it was only fair for the favour to be returned.

He reminded the gathering that unity within the mountain has always been the foundation of political success, arguing that no single bloc can claim victory without the support of the other.

According to Ichung’wah, Mt Kenya West has produced three presidents largely due to unwavering backing from Mt Kenya East, a fact he said should not be ignored when discussions on future leadership arise.

He cited the presidency of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, noting that Mt Kenya East stood with him throughout his 15-year rule, setting a precedent of loyalty and collective responsibility within the region.

Ichung’wah also recalled the 10-year presidency of Mwai Kibaki, saying his second term would not have been possible without votes from counties such as Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru.

He added that former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s rise to power was equally anchored on support from Mt Kenya East, stressing that the region played a decisive role in shaping national leadership.

“You have told us from Mt Kenya West, and it is true, without Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru, Uhuru Kenyatta would not have been president,” Ichung’wah said, urging leaders from the western side of the mountain not to forget this history.

The Majority Leader assured residents of Mt Kenya East that their long-standing loyalty would not be overlooked, insisting that the mountain must remain united from now on.

He dismissed what he termed divisive politics, accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of attempting to split Mt Kenya along regional lines, while affirming that the region remains firmly behind President William Ruto.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the UDA party chairperson, echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiments, saying Mt Kenya East has consistently supported regimes backed by Mt Kenya West and deserves reciprocal backing when its turn comes.

“Mheshimiwa Kimani Ichungwah, we supported you for 15 years of President Jomo Kenyatta, we supported you for ten years of President Mwai Kibaki, and another 10 years of President Uhuru Kenyatta. Now God has seen us through, we have a deputy president from Mt Kenya East, his name is Prof Kithure Kindiki, this time it’s you to support us with our son Kithure Kindiki,” Mbarire said.

Mbarire noted that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is currently the highest-ranking political figure from Mt Kenya East, and called on leaders from Mt Kenya West to support him, just as the East has done in the past.

Runyenjes Member of Parliament Eric Karemba reinforced the unity message, saying Mt Kenya communities have long coexisted and supported one another, and that the time has come for Mt Kenya East to be backed in producing leadership for the benefit of the entire region.

“The people of Mt Kenya West and East for long have worked together, during Jomo Kenyatta, Kibaki and Uhuru, the East we have stood with West unconditionally. Is there a problem if the West now support us?” Karemba questioned.