Mt Kenya East leaders endorse Kindiki as their kingpin

The in a joint statement read by Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku made at the Izaak Walton Inn in Embu on September 9, 2024, the leaders highlight the desire of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties to work collectively for socioeconomic development. Leaders from these counties emphasized the importance of prioritizing development projects that have stalled from the previous administration, such as road infrastructure and water projects, and called on the government to complete these initiatives. In the statement, the leaders further thanked President William Ruto for appointing three key figures from the region—Justin Muturi, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, and Eng. Eric Mugaa—to the Cabinet, recognizing it as a testament to the region’s growing political significance.

The choice of Kindiki as the spokesperson is particularly intriguing given the presence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has long positioned himself as the leader of the entire Mount Kenya region. Gachagua, known for his outspoken advocacy of the controversial "One Man, One Vote, One Shilling" formula, has often found himself at odds with Kindiki’s more moderate and nation-focused stance. Kindiki, who has previously pushed back against Gachagua’s ethnic-based politics, has argued that the nation’s success lies in unity and equitable development, rather than divisive regional agendas.

The elevation of Kindiki to this prominent role signifies a subtle but clear attempt by Mount Kenya East to carve out its own space in national politics, independent of Gachagua’s more centralized control over the entire Mount Kenya voting bloc.

"Mount Kenya East holds significant voting numbers, making us a critical 

region in shaping the political and development direction of our country. Our voice and collective decisions in national matters cannot be assumed,"read the statement.

The leaders from Mount Kenya East underscored that their region boasts significant voting numbers and therefore deserves more development initiatives and employment opportunities to reflect its contribution to the national vote. By appointing Kindiki as their voice, they hope to ensure that the region’s priorities are heard and acted upon at the highest levels of government.

This move sets the stage for a potential recalibration of Mount Kenya’s political power balance, with Kindiki now in a more prominent role. While Gachagua remains a key figure in the ruling administration, the rise of Kindiki as a spokesperson for Mount Kenya East could lead to more nuanced regional power plays as both leaders vie for influence in shaping the country's political and development agenda.

Some of the elected leaders present include Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Elizabeth Karambu (Woman Rep Meru), Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), John Mutunga (Tigania West), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Senator Alexander Mudigi (Embu), Dan Kiiri (Igembe Central), Gitonga Murugara (Tharaka), Pamela Njoki (Embu Woman Rep)  Kareke Mbiuki (Maara) Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri) Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Patrick Munene (Chuka - Igamba ng'ombe), Eng. Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South).

Others gave apology apart from Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji and Tharaka-Nithi Woman Rep Susan Ngugi Muindu.