Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on political leaders in the Mt Kenya region to respect elders’ call for unity, saying political differences should not divide communities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kindiki said he had accepted a mandate from regional elders to promote cohesion across Mt Kenya and would not support attempts to create separate political blocs in the region.
“We have clear orders to unite Mt Kenya region. We might be affiliated to different formations but the elders requested me to ensure peaceful political contests. Aspirants will sell their agenda and voters will decide who to vote for,” Kindiki said.
He spoke on Friday while inspecting development projects in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.
Kindiki dismisses East-West division
Kindiki said Mt Kenya should not be divided along political or geographical lines, arguing that the region’s communities have historically maintained common interests despite political differences.
“Mt Kenya is one. There is no East or West. We cannot divide it. It has always been one,” he said.
His remarks come days after a gathering of elders from the Kikuyu, Embu, Mbeere and Meru communities endorsed him as the region’s spokesperson and called for unity. The elders said they wanted the communities to preserve their historical ties and pursue shared interests.
Kindiki said he would follow the elders’ direction and focus on reconciliation, development and peaceful political competition.
Leaders urged to avoid political violence
The Deputy President also urged political leaders and their supporters to avoid violence during political contests.
He said candidates should be allowed to campaign on their respective platforms, leaving voters to determine their preferred leaders through the ballot.
“We should not allow violence to take over our politics. We are not a region known for violence despite political differences. We are wealth creators, not destroyers,” Kindiki said.
He added that political competition should not result in hostility among communities.
“Everyone should sell their agenda, and voters will decide. The winner serves all and the loser waits for their time,” he said.
Kindiki also said he would avoid engaging in personal attacks against political opponents, saying his focus would remain on development and the welfare of the region and the country.
Development takes centre stage
During his Nyeri visit, Kindiki highlighted government projects in the region as part of his call for leaders to concentrate on development.
He launched construction works on roads in Chaka Township and directed the contractor to complete the project within the agreed timelines.
According to the figures cited during the visit, Nyeri County has been allocated KSh45 billion for 775 kilometres of roads across its six constituencies.
The government has also been implementing modern markets and the redevelopment of Ruringu Stadium in Nyeri Town.
On electricity access, Kindiki said 32,000 households in the county had benefited from last-mile connectivity, with another 12,000 households expected to be connected following an additional KSh650 million allocation.
Focus on farmers and local incomes
Kindiki also pointed to agricultural reforms, saying farmers in the region were earning more from sectors including coffee, tea and dairy.
“This is what we are focused on. To develop every part of the country. To put more earnings in the pockets of farmers and improve the lives of the people,” he said.
His development-focused engagements come as he seeks to translate the elders’ call for regional unity into a wider political and development agenda. Recent engagements in Mt Kenya have combined calls for cohesion with government project inspections and mobilisation around development priorities.
Kindiki also said he would convene a meeting with senior police officers the following week to discuss measures against illicit alcohol and drugs in the region.
The meeting is expected to bring together security officials as the government intensifies efforts to address alcohol and drug abuse in Mt Kenya.
