Over 500 Elders Shift Support from Gachagua to Kindiki for Mt. Kenya East Leadership
Over 500 elders from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties have withdrawn their backing for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, shifting their support to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the key representative between Mt. Kenya East and President William Ruto.
The elders emphasized development as their main reason for supporting Kindiki, stating that his national prominence would strengthen relations with other regions.
“We are confident that his national stature will foster better relations with other areas,” the elders stated in a collective announcement.
This decision arises amid increasing speculation about a possible rift between President Ruto and Gachagua, following the formation of a broader government that included allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
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While appreciating Ruto’s appointment of three Cabinet Secretaries from Mt. Kenya East, the elders expressed concerns about escalating political tensions, which they worry could hinder development efforts.
“These rising tensions divert focus from critical issues like completing development projects, boosting the economic welfare of farmers, and generating youth employment,” they said, urging political leaders to prioritize unity and development over polarizing discussions.
The elders’ endorsement of Kindiki follows a similar move by 48 MPs from Mt. Kenya and its diaspora, who earlier identified Kindiki as their favored leader. They argued that the absence of a clear regional representative for development was stalling progress.
In the “Nyahururu Declaration,” the MPs urged Kindiki to act as their intermediary with the Ruto government, advocating for a more favorable Division of Revenue formula to maximize the region’s benefits.
Their stance was supported by 21 MPs from Mt. Kenya East, who also endorsed Kindiki during a meeting in Embu on September 9, calling him the region’s link to the national government.
Over 500 Elders Shift Support from Gachagua to Kindiki for Mt. Kenya East Leadership
