In his ongoing effort to take control of the Mount Kenya region from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki appears to be focusing on Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi’s stronghold.
According to a report by Taifa Leo on 18th January 2025, Kindiki’s latest move comes after he met with a group of Embu leaders at his home in Karen, Nairobi.
This meeting is seen as part of his strategic push to increase his influence over the region before the upcoming 2027 elections.
The meeting was attended by several prominent county political figures, including Governor Cecily Mbarire, Senator Alexander Mundigi, and Members of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North) and Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South), among others. Religious leaders, Majority Leader Peter Muriithi, and Speaker of the Embu County Assembly Josiah Thiriku were also present.
The meeting is seen as a clear signal that Prof. Kindiki is not only aiming to challenge Gachagua’s dominance in the region but also positioning himself as a strong alternative to Justin Muturi.
As reported by Taifa Leo, this move may set the stage for a showdown in Mount Kenya’s politics.
This meeting comes only three days after Prof. Kindiki held another meeting with Tharaka and Meru leaders, further emphasizing his commitment to asserting influence across the Mount Kenya area.
Having inherited the senior political status once held by Gachagua, Kindiki seems determined to fill the void left by his predecessor.
According to a source in the report by Taifa Leo, Kindiki’s resolve is evident in his efforts to secure the region’s loyalty, particularly as Gachagua had previously proclaimed himself the “king” of Mount Kenya and promised to provide political guidance to the people.
Prof. Kindiki, during the meeting with Embu leaders, was confident in his ability to unite the people of Mount Kenya behind President William Ruto.
He told the gathered leaders, “Someone asked me if I can unite Mount Kenya behind President William Ruto, and my answer was simple. I will unite Mount Kenya fully because it is part of Kenya.”
His words indicate a strong commitment to rallying the region in support of President Ruto.
During the meeting, Prof. Kindiki emphasized that all Kenyans, regardless of their ethnic background, must benefit from the country’s wealth.
He encouraged the leaders to steer away from ethnic politics and focus on fostering unity across the nation.
This approach is aimed at ensuring that all regions, including Mount Kenya, benefit from the development agenda that he and President Ruto envision.
Kindiki’s rhetoric resonates with his broader goal of positioning himself as a unifying figure in the region, setting him apart from other political figures like Gachagua and Muturi, who have been accused of perpetuating ethnic divisions.
The meeting’s timing is significant, as it coincides with ongoing discussions about the potential removal of Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.
Muturi, who hails from Embu, has recently faced accusations related to his critical comments about government actions, particularly regarding alleged abductions.
According to reports, this situation may lead to his eventual dismissal from the Cabinet, adding another layer of complexity to Kindiki’s efforts to assert his influence.
The political situation in Mount Kenya are shifting rapidly, and Prof. Kindiki’s maneuvering is likely to play a crucial role in the region’s political future.
Kindiki’s meeting with the Embu leaders indicates his determination to wrest control of the Mount Kenya region from Gachagua and Muturi.
With the 2027 elections in mind, his actions suggest that he is positioning himself as a key player in the region’s political landscape, seeking to solidify support for President Ruto and bring the people of Mount Kenya into a more unified national fold.
Whether his efforts will succeed remains to be seen, but it is clear that the stakes are high for all involved.
