Ichung'wah endorses Mt Kenya East Bid, Rekindling Mountain Unity

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah speaking at Kangaru Girls' School Grounds during UDA party grassroots meeting. MWINGI TIMES|Brian Musyoka

Speaking at Kangaru Girls' School grounds in Embu county during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots meeting, Ichung’wah said Mt Kenya East had stood firmly with Mt Kenya West for decades, and it was only fair that the favour be returned.

He reminded the gathering that unity within the mountain had always been the foundation of political success, arguing that no single bloc could claim victory without the support of the other.

According to Ichung’wah, Mt Kenya West has produced three presidents largely because of the unwavering backing from Mt Kenya East, a fact he said should never be ignored when discussions on future leadership arise.

He cited the presidency of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, noting that Mt Kenya East stood with him throughout his 15-year rule, setting a precedent of loyalty and collective responsibility within the region.

Ichung’wah further recalled the 10-year presidency of Mwai Kibaki, saying his second term would not have been possible without the votes from counties such as Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru.

He added that former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s rise to power was equally anchored on the support from Mt Kenya East, stressing that the region played a decisive role in shaping national leadership.

“You have told us from Mt Kenya West, and it is true  without Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru, Uhuru Kenyatta would not have been president,” Ichung’wah said, as he urged leaders from the western side of the mountain not to forget this history.

The National Assembly Majority Leader assured residents of Mt Kenya East that their long-standing loyalty will not be overlooked, insisting that the mountain must remain united going forward.

He also dismissed what he termed as divisive politics, accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of attempting to split Mt Kenya along regional lines, while affirming that the region remains firmly behind President William Ruto.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the UDA party national chairperson, echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiments, saying Mt Kenya East has consistently supported regimes backed by Mt Kenya West and deserves reciprocal backing when its turn comes.

Mbarire pointed out that Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki is currently the highest-ranking political figure from Mt Kenya East, calling on leaders from Mt Kenya West to support him just as the East has done in the past.

Runyenjes Member of Parliament Eric Karemba reinforced the unity message, noting that Mt Kenya communities have long coexisted and supported one another, and that the time had come for Mt Kenya East to be supported in producing leadership for the benefit of the entire region.