By Gerald Mukembu
In a striking political shift, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has found himself increasingly sidelined in his home turf of Mt Kenya.
Local leaders and residents have thrown their weight behind Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, positioning him as the new kingpin of the region.
The endorsement, spearheaded by Gideon Kimathi, a senior adviser to Governor Kawira Mwangaza, has sparked discussions across the region
Alongside notable leaders like Edwin Kiongozi and Halima Regina, Kimathi praised the Mt Kenya East faction for rallying around Kindiki.
They argued that Kindiki has remained exceptionally loyal to President William Ruto, unlike Gachagua, whose political maneuvers are perceived as a threat to national unity.
“We applaud the vision shown by Mt Kenya East leaders. All polling indicates that Kindiki consistently ranks at the top in performance, prioritizing service delivery over divisive politics,” Kimathi stated.
Kiongozi pointed out that Gachagua has prematurely launched a campaign for the 2027 elections, which could distract from vital development projects stalled in various sectors, particularly water and infrastructure.
“We urge President Ruto to consider CS Kindiki as his deputy in 2027, as it’s time for focused leadership,” he added.
Advocating for Kindiki’s political advancement, Regina highlighted that he was the ideal candidate for deputy president in the 2022 elections, only to be overlooked at the final hour.
She believes Kindiki is now well-qualified for any leadership role, including the presidency.
The pivotal decision comes a day after members of Parliament from Mt Kenya East Region held a meeting at a hotel in Embu to back Kindiki as a vital link to the executive branch.
“As representatives of Mt. Kenya East, we unanimously recognize Prof. Kithure Kindiki as our primary conduit to the government,” said Mbeere MP Geoffrey Ruku.
The leaders collectively emphasized the necessity of a strong alliance with executive powers to expedite the region’s socio-economic agendas.
“Through unified efforts and ongoing dialogue, we believe Mount Kenya East can secure a more significant role in national discourse,” they stated.
Additionally, the group expressed gratitude to President Ruto for appointing three Cabinet Secretaries from the region-Justin Muturi (Public Service), Kithure Kindiki (Interior), and Eric Mugaa (Water and Sanitation)-a move they believe underscores the President’s confidence in Mt Kenya East.
The leaders also implored the President to prioritize job creation initiatives in the region, bolstering economic opportunities for their constituents.
As political tides shift, all eyes will remain on the dynamic relationship between Gachagua, Kindiki, and the power structure within Mt Kenya-a region that continues to play a crucial role in Kenya’s national politics.
