The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders has urged leaders and residents of the Mt Kenya East region to remain within the Kenya Kwanza coalition as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Secretary-General Josphat Murangiri said leaving the ruling coalition would weaken the region’s political influence and affect its prospects of securing higher leadership positions in future.

Murangiri said the region should focus on protecting its current position in government, citing the appointment of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as a significant achievement for Mt Kenya East.

“It is unwise to imagine that the opposition has a better offer than what we already have,” Murangiri said. “The deputy president’s position is one of the highest offices in the land. What we need is to protect what we have and strengthen our place in government.”

His remarks come as opposition leaders continue efforts to court support from the Mt Kenya region, one of the country’s most influential voting blocs.

Support for Ruto and Kindiki

Murangiri called on residents of Mt Kenya East to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, saying continued support for the current administration would strengthen the region’s position in national politics.

According to him, retaining a place within government structures would enhance Deputy President Kindiki’s chances of seeking higher office in the future.

“If we want to remain close to power, we must support President Ruto’s re-election bid because that way, our son, Deputy President Kindiki, will stand a stronger chance of rising to the highest office in 2032,” he said.

Murangiri also stressed the need for unity across the Mt Kenya region, noting that a united voting bloc carries considerable influence during elections and coalition negotiations.

“Unity is crucial. Mt Kenya is a vote-rich region, and when we speak with one voice, we are able to negotiate from a position of strength and secure greater benefits for our people,” he said.

He warned against divisions that could weaken the region’s collective voice and reduce its influence in future political arrangements.

Concerns over taxation and development projects

While supporting the government’s development agenda, Murangiri acknowledged concerns over the economic challenges facing many Kenyans.

He noted that the administration’s decision to undertake multiple development projects at the same time had increased pressure on taxpayers.

“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also worked towards achieving Vision 2030, but projects were implemented progressively. The current administration appears determined to undertake many projects simultaneously, and that has resulted in a heavier tax burden on Kenyans,” he said.

Murangiri urged President Ruto to review aspects of the government’s approach in order to ease pressure on citizens.

At the same time, he said many of the projects being implemented are intended to improve economic growth and livelihoods over the long term.

He encouraged citizens to continue engaging with government programmes while offering constructive feedback on areas that require improvement.

Call for inclusion of Mau Mau veterans

Murangiri also called for greater recognition and involvement of Mau Mau freedom fighters in national affairs.

He said many veterans possess valuable knowledge and experience that could contribute to policy discussions and national development.

“The Mau Mau veterans had a vision for this country. It is unfortunate that many of them are rarely consulted on matters of national importance despite them still having a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help guide the nation,” he said.

He urged leaders to create opportunities for regular engagement with freedom fighters and to consider their views on issues affecting the country.

The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders remains one of the most influential traditional institutions in the Mt Kenya East region and has historically played a role in social and political matters affecting the community.

Its latest remarks come as political activity continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties seeking support across key regions of the country.