In a significant political move, 48 Members of Parliament from the Mt. Kenya region and the diaspora have endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as their primary link to the Executive. This comes just days after a similar endorsement by their counterparts from Mt. Kenya East, further intensifying the power struggle between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Interior CS ahead of the 2027 elections.

Unanimous Support for Kindiki

During a meeting held in Nyahururu, the MPs declared that after extensive consultations, they unanimously agreed that Prof. Kindiki would be their focal point for engaging with the Executive on matters of regional development. According to the MPs, the lack of a clear link between the region and the national government had previously hampered efforts to advance key development projects in Mt. Kenya.

“We, as the elected leaders from this region and its Diaspora, on our behalf and that of our people, unanimously resolve that our link to the National Government be the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration Prof. Kithure Kindiki,” the MPs said in a joint statement.

This endorsement marks a significant blow to Deputy President Gachagua, who has been positioning himself as the political leader of the region since the formation of the Kenya Kwanza government. The MPs’ declaration suggests that the battle for control of the region’s political direction is far from over.

Frustration Over Lack of Progress

The lawmakers expressed frustration over the region’s stalled development, attributing the delays to the absence of a centralized figure through whom they could channel their concerns and priorities. They criticized the “high-octane politics” surrounding unity in the region, suggesting that the focus had been on advancing personal ambitions rather than addressing the developmental needs of their constituents.

“Our attempts to call the region to the orderly prioritization of the developmental needs of the people have been frustrated by condescending threats of dire political consequences unless we support certain personal interests and ambitions,” the statement read.

The MPs acknowledged that time was running out for them to fulfill the promises made during the Kenya Kwanza campaign, particularly in sectors like agriculture and business. They emphasized the need to fast-track legislative reforms and key projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of their constituents, including better prices for crops like coffee and tea, and support for the poultry and dairy industries.

Formation of a Coordinating Committee

In a bid to streamline communication between the region and the national government, the MPs announced the formation of a coordinating committee. This committee will serve as the primary bridge between the MPs and the Executive, ensuring that the region’s developmental and legislative agendas are advanced.

“We shall further form a coordinating committee to serve as the linkage between us and the Executive in the advancement of people-sensitive legislative and development agenda in our region,” the MPs noted.

This move is aimed at consolidating the region’s development agenda, which they argue has been previously derailed by internal political bickering and a lack of a clear point of reference.

Mt. Kenya East Endorsement of Kindiki

The endorsement of Kindiki by Mt. Kenya East MPs earlier this week further highlights the growing divide within the larger Mt. Kenya region. Leaders from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties held a meeting in Embu where they unanimously agreed that Kindiki should be the region’s link to the Executive.

“As the legislators of Mt. Kenya East, and on behalf of our people, we have unanimously agreed that the link between us and the Executive is Prof. Kithure Kindiki,” the leaders said in a statement following the Embu meeting.

This development signals a potential shift in the region’s political dynamics, with Mt. Kenya East leaders distancing themselves from the larger Mt. Kenya West region and asserting their political independence. They noted that their vote basket was crucial in national elections and demanded more attention to their developmental needs.

Implications for the 2027 Elections

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the power struggle between Gachagua and Kindiki is expected to intensify. Both leaders are vying to position themselves as the political kingpin of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region, which will play a crucial role in determining the next presidential race.

The MPs’ declaration in Nyahururu, dubbed the “Nyahururu Declaration,” could be a game-changer in Mt. Kenya politics. By throwing their weight behind Kindiki, the lawmakers have signaled a potential realignment within the region, one that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next election.

While reaffirming their commitment to the unity of the region and the country, the MPs stressed the importance of advancing the region’s interests through cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government. They also vowed to push for a favorable Division of Revenue formula that would maximize benefits for Mt. Kenya.

Conclusion

The endorsement of Kithure Kindiki as the primary link to the Executive by 48 MPs from the Mt. Kenya region reflects a growing power struggle within the region’s political class. As the battle for control of the region heats up, the outcome will have significant implications for the 2027 general elections and the future of development in the region. With both Gachagua and Kindiki vying for supremacy, the Mt. Kenya region could once again become a key battleground in Kenyan politics.

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