Meru has drawn a red line around Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. In a dramatic political declaration, the reunited Njuri Ncheke has rallied the Meru community behind Kindiki, declaring that the region must stand together to protect his political future, first as Deputy President in 2027 and ultimately as Kenya’s President.
The message from the powerful Meru council was unmistakable: support President William Ruto for a second term, secure Kindiki’s position, then prepare the way for “our son” to ascend to State House.
And the elders issued a chilling warning to anyone seeking to sideline Kindiki.
Linus Kathera, a top Njuri leader, and all other njuri leaders urged all Merus to line behind Prof Kindiki, saying the community has its best chance through the deputy president.
The Njuri leaders also appealed to Mt Kenya leaders to put all their political efforts behind Prof Kindiki.
“If Kindiki is touched, we will have an issue,” said Mpuru Aburi, insisting that Meru would remain solidly behind Ruto but would fiercely defend Kindiki’s political interests.
The declaration could dramatically reshape the political calculations in Mt Kenya as the 2027 succession battle gathers pace.
Mpuru said Meru had waited since Independence for one of its own to reach the Deputy Presidency.
“We have tried all the way since 1963, but it is God who has granted us this wish through Amiiru and President Ruto,” he said.
He described Kindiki as both “ours” and a national leader, arguing that the Deputy President’s appeal now stretches across Kenya.
“Kindiki will serve Kenya well,” Mpuru declared.
Titus Taitumu, the Igembe North MP and Njuri Ncheke member, said Meru’s political power depended on unity.
“If we unite, Kenya will recognise us,” Taitumu said, pledging to echo the council’s message and mobilise the community behind Kindiki.
The intervention comes after the traditional institution reunited following years of factional divisions, restoring a more unified voice to the Meru community.
But the elders’ message went beyond Kindiki.
They want the wider Mt Kenya region to close ranks behind Ruto.
Kathuri Murungi urged disgruntled leaders including Peter Munya, Mithika Linturi and Lenny Kivuti to abandon the opposition and return to the Kenya Kwanza fold.
“Come and work for Mt Kenya,” was the rallying cry.
Then came the succession bombshell.
Kirima Nguchine, MP Imenti Central argued that Meru’s shortest route to State House was through Ruto.
“It is easier for Merus to get to State House by supporting William Ruto for a second term, then our son Kithure Kindiki becomes the next President,” he said.
The message leaves little room for ambiguity:
Ruto in 2027. Kindiki after Ruto.
For Meru, the State House project has begun.
