Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for unity within the Mt Kenya region, dismissing attempts to create divisions among communities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the opening of the Kigari Teachers College Administration Block in Embu on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Kindiki said the people of Mt Kenya share a common history and should not allow political competition to drive a wedge between them.

“Mimi sitaki jamii yetu itengane. We are one people. I don’t want to see our community talking in different languages; we are one people,” Kindiki said.

“Sisi ni jamii moja. Zamani hii area yote from Kirinyaga all the way to Meru tulikuwa Diocese of Mt Kenya East, and we were led by Bishop David Gitari. Hata mambo ya siasa sisi watu wa area hii ya Mt. Kenya, we have always done a lot of things together, and we have a long history. There is nothing that can divide us,” he stated.

The Deputy President warned leaders against exploiting linguistic and regional differences for political gain, saying his responsibility is to ensure every community moves forward together.

“Wale watu wanafikiri wataleta hasara hapa ya watu kuongea different languages warelax. Waambiwe sasa hivi, Deputy Rais ni fireman, na atahakikisha ya kwamba jamii yote tutatembea pamoja. There is no problem,” Kindiki said.

He urged Kenyans not to be distracted by the current political campaigns, noting that the presidential election is still a year away and that differing political choices should not breed hostility.

“Mambo ya kura kidogo kidogo hapa, sijui wananchi wanasema chagua huyu, chagua huyu, it’s okay, that’s democracy. Hakuna kura ya urais imepigwa, kura ya urais itapigwa next year,” he remarked.

Expressing confidence in the Kenya Kwanza administration’s political fortunes, Kindiki referenced the 2013 general election, saying the coalition had previously overcome greater challenges.

“Kama tulishinda siku ile Uhuru Kenyatta alikuwa mshtakiwa Hague akiwa na William Ruto, hii ya next year ni mambo kidogo, my friend. Just pray for good health na kibali ya Mwenyezi Mungu. The rest is easy,” he said.

The Deputy President concluded by urging leaders to embrace humility, saying political success ultimately depends on God’s will.

“The Bible tells us God humbles the proud and God raises those who are humble. We are one community, one country, and we don’t have another home to go to. Hii dunia haina mwenyewe, mwenyewe ni Mwenyezi Mungu. Relax.”

Growing concerns over Mt Kenya unity

Kindiki’s remarks come at a time when political debate over the future of the Mt Kenya region has increasingly taken on an East-versus-West dimension, raising concerns that a bloc that has traditionally spoken with one voice could be headed for internal divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The debate has intensified in the aftermath of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with leaders from both sides of the region trading accusations over political loyalty, succession, and regional representation. The exchanges have sparked fears that sub-regional identities are beginning to overshadow the broader Mt Kenya identity that has historically shaped the region’s politics.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku recently highlighted a wedge between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.

It is against this backdrop that Kindiki’s latest appeal is likely to resonate with residents, as senior government leaders move to reassure the region that political competition should not erode the long-standing social, cultural and political ties that have united the Mt Kenya community for generations.