A section of Mt Kenya East leaders have declared that they are ready, if need be, to divide the Mt Kenya region into two political blocs, Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya Central, saying they will no longer accept being dragged into the politics of a larger Mt Kenya basket that has historically marginalised the eastern side.

The leaders argue that the region must chart its own political destiny and free itself from narratives that do not reflect the interests and development priorities of Mt Kenya East.

Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Church, Kangaru, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, called on residents to ignore calls by certain leaders to hate President William Ruto and his government.

Anti-Ruto narrative

Ruku warned that there is a well-organised and coordinated scheme aimed at turning Mt Kenya residents against the President, claiming the plan is being orchestrated by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

He said Mt Kenya East has suffered for a long time under the “Mt Kenya basket agenda”, where the region’s issues are bundled together with the broader Mt Kenya politics, often to its disadvantage.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be consumed in a pocket moving forward. Mt Kenya East must stand firm and protect its own political and economic interests,” Ruku said.

The CS urged Gachagua to desist from dragging Mt Kenya East into divisive politics, insisting that the region will pursue its own political path independent of the larger Mt Kenya voting bloc.

Ruku pointed out that Mt Kenya East has capable national leadership, citing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as evidence that the region can shape its own future without external influence.

In a sharp attack, Ruku described Gachagua as a “lord of division”, accusing him of promoting politics of hatred and ethnic polarisation.

“We will divide the mountain if we must. Mt Kenya East will stand alone. The East will have its own title deed,” Ruku declared.

Ruku defends Kenya Kwanza

He defended the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying coffee and tea prices have strengthened following direct intervention by President William Ruto, improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Ruku claimed Gachagua was removed from government due to incompetence and said he lacks the capacity to pull other leaders and communities into what he termed as his personal political mess.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire echoed Ruku’s remarks, saying Mt Kenya East will not hesitate to chart its own political course if pushed.

“I want to echo the words of CS Ruku. If need be, as Mt Kenya East, we shall chart our own political path moving forward. We will not be dragged into politics that do not serve our people,” Mbarire said.