Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to abandon efforts to politically divide the Mt Kenya region into Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West. Speaking during an Embu UDA grassroots leaders meeting in Nembure, Manyatta Constituency, Kindiki emphasized that elders from both regions were already engaging to address emerging political differences and should be given time and space to find a way forward.
Kindiki urged political leaders to allow the ongoing consultations to continue, warning against initiatives that could deepen divisions within the wider Mt Kenya community. He highlighted the importance of unity in navigating the region's political landscape.
During the meeting, Embu County Assembly Speaker Murithi Thiriku sought to explain the growing calls to “kupasua mlima,” a phrase used to describe efforts to politically split Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West. Thiriku attributed the campaign to what he termed reluctance by some leaders from Mt Kenya West to support Kindiki, despite longstanding political backing from Mt Kenya East leaders and residents for leaders from the western side of the region since independence.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Thiriku also criticized DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua over what they described as repeated attacks against Kindiki regarding what they termed petty issues. The two leaders further condemned the disruption of the UDA meeting, accusing some individuals of mobilizing goons to storm the gathering.
The ongoing political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region highlight the need for unity among leaders to prevent further divisions. As discussions continue, it remains crucial for leaders to prioritize collaboration and address the concerns of their constituents.
