Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed growing calls for political separation in Mt Kenya, saying the region should remain united as President William Ruto’s administration seeks to defend its support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kindiki spoke on Sunday, July 19, 2026, during the 36th anniversary thanksgiving service of the ACK Diocese of Embu held at Kigari Teachers Training College in Embu County.

His remarks came as political debate intensified in Mt Kenya, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pushing for regional unity against what he describes as attempts to weaken the mountain vote, while Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku calls for stronger recognition of Mt Kenya East.

Kindiki said leaders serving under President Ruto had agreed to keep political battles away from church platforms and focus on development.

“As leaders under the leadership of President William Ruto, we have agreed that we will not use the altar to do foolish things, deliver confusing messages, destroy communities or divide people,” Kindiki said.

He told the congregation that the government respects the role of the church and remains willing to listen to advice on areas that need improvement.

“Whatever you want us to improve or correct in leadership, we will do so. We will listen because we are human beings, and government is a human institution that can always be improved through your guidance and input,” he said.

The Deputy President, who comes from Tharaka Nithi County and has strong political roots in Mt Kenya East, said there was no crisis in the region despite rising political discussions over its future.

“There are people speaking as though the world is coming to an end. There is no problem. We are here, and we are not going anywhere,” he said.

Kindiki warned leaders against creating divisions among communities in the region, saying Mt Kenya should remain united.

“I come from this region, and I do not want our communities to be divided. We are one people,” he said.

“Those who think they will bring confusion to Mt Kenya by making people speak in different voices and dividing them should relax.”

He described himself as the person who would help keep the community together, saying the region should not allow political differences to weaken its influence.

Ruku pushes for stronger Mt Kenya East voice

Kindiki’s remarks came amid debate sparked by Ruku, who has called for greater political recognition of Mt Kenya East.

Ruku has argued that counties such as Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi have historically received fewer opportunities in areas such as development projects and national leadership compared with Mt Kenya West.

He has called for the region to have a stronger voice in national politics and resource allocation.

However, Gachagua has rejected any attempt to create a political divide between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West. The former Deputy President has argued that the region’s strength comes from speaking with one voice.

On Sunday, Gachagua said he would visit Meru and Embu after completing consultations in his Wamunyoro home area as he seeks to build support around Mt Kenya unity ahead of 2027.

“The only way William Ruto can come back to power is if he succeeds in dividing the mountain and the mountain vote,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua has also criticised efforts to separate Mt Kenya East and West, saying such divisions would reduce the region’s bargaining power.

Development record to decide 2027 vote

Kindiki said the 2027 election would not be decided by political arguments but by what leaders have delivered to citizens.

He said voters would judge President Ruto, his deputy, governors and Members of Parliament based on their development record.

“What will save the President, the Deputy President, governors, Members of Parliament and all leaders is the work they have done for the people, not the noise being made,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President expressed confidence that the Kenya Kwanza administration would perform well in the next election, referring to its victory in the 2022 presidential contest despite difficult political circumstances.

“If we won when President Uhuru Kenyatta was in The Hague with President William Ruto, then next year is a small matter. Pray only for good health and God’s favour,” he said.

Kindiki said past political victories showed that leaders should remain focused and avoid being distracted by criticism.

The Mt Kenya region remains one of Kenya’s most influential voting blocs. Political parties and presidential candidates are keen to secure support from counties including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi.

The region strongly backed Ruto during the 2022 General Election, but the political landscape has changed following Gachagua’s fallout with the administration and his current efforts to build an alternative political movement through the Democratic Change Party (DCP).

Both government and opposition leaders understand that Mt Kenya’s voting patterns could influence the outcome of the 2027 presidential race.

Kindiki has maintained that the government’s development record will be the main factor voters consider, while Gachagua has focused on regional unity and political bargaining power.