Some 500 elders from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi Counties have tightened the noose on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by severing ties with him and endorsing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the link between Mt. Kenya East Region and President William Ruto.

At a press conference in Embu, the leaders said while they recognise the President’s efforts to bring growth and prosperity, they are concerned about the rising political tensions.

“These tensions distract us from the more important issues, such as completing development projects, improving the economic well-being of our farmers, and creating opportunities for our youth. We ask all political leaders to focus on unity and development instead of divisive rhetoric,” Cyrus Ngeranwa said on behalf of the group.

“To ensure we remain focused on development, we endorse Prof. Kithure Kindiki, to be the link between our region, the President and his government. We believe his national stature will help foster good relations with other regions.”

The elder’s support for Prof Kindiki comes amid a similar endorsement by a youth group from the east Mt Kenya region.

The youth described the Interior CS as a leader who embodies the ideals of a new Kenya free from ethnic bias, hatred and division

“We support the call for Prof. Kindiki to lead Mt. Kenya East’s engagement in national discussions that will create networks at the national level to move Kenya forward,” the youth leaders said at a press conference.

Last week, during a meeting in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, 40 legislators from Mt. Kenya West and the diaspora signed a declaration dubbed 'Nyahururu Declaration’, bringing the total number of legislators supporting CS Kindiki as their leader to 69.

In what is unfolding political intrigues within the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, the endorsement sets the stage for a potential political clash between CS Kindiki and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on the control of Central region politics. 

The MPs’ support for Kindiki followed the Mt. Kenya and Diaspora Parliamentary Leaders Forum’s endorsement of Kindiki as their main liaison.