Kindiki to Mt Kenya: Don’t let 2027 politics divide you

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on the Mt Kenya region to remain united despite emerging political differences, warning that electoral competition should not divide the community or undermine national peace.

Kindiki said political contests were temporary, while the unity of the region and the country would endure long after the elections, urging leaders and residents to focus on development and to judge political leaders by their records.

“I humbly appeal to you that we should be people who tolerate one another. Even if we have small political differences here at home, we should not use those differences to disrupt the peace of our community and the peace of the nation,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President said politics should be treated as a competition for leadership rather than a reason for communities to turn against each other.

He cautioned against political insults, violence and destruction of property, saying those who lose elections would have other opportunities to seek leadership.

“Politics is a competition for leadership, and it is temporary. When it is over, we will remain one community and one nation,” Kindiki said.

Speaking at Gaichanjiru Catholic Church in Kandara, Murang’a on Sunday, Kindiki said the Mt Kenya region had historically remained united despite supporting different political leaders over the years.

He cited the region’s support for founding President Jomo Kenyatta, retired President Mwai Kibaki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta as examples of the unity that had characterised the region’s political journey.

Kindiki said Mt Kenya communities had also worked together in business and cultural affairs and should maintain the same unity despite political differences.

The Deputy President’s remarks come amid growing political wrangles over the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders divided over whether Mt Kenya should rally behind President William Ruto or pursue a different political path.

The region has remained a key battleground in the political contest, with allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seeking to consolidate support around an alternative political formation, while Kenya Kwanza leaders have been campaigning to retain the region’s backing for President Ruto.

The disagreements have also sparked debate over whether Mt Kenya should continue voting as a political bloc or allow individual voters and leaders to make independent choices.

Kindiki, however, urged residents to put the interests of the community and country above political competition, saying disagreements should be addressed without destroying existing bonds.

“I am here to confirm that we will defend the unity of our nation with all our strength, with all our might, with all our resources and with all our intellect,” he said.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege echoed Kindiki’s call, insisting that Mt Kenya would remain united despite differences over political parties and individual leaders.

“We will not divide the mountain. It will remain one. I assure you that the mountain is one. Do not be told by some people that one part of the mountain does not support you. You are one of us,” Chege said.

Chege also cautioned against forcing residents to support a particular political side, saying voters should be allowed to make their own decisions when the election approaches.

She urged residents to assess leaders based on their individual records rather than party affiliations.

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, meanwhile, called on the region to support Kindiki, arguing that backing the Deputy President offered Mt Kenya the shortest route back to the presidency.

“As Mt Kenya region, we have always supported each other. Let us support our Deputy President. In 2032, we will rally behind him for the top seat,” Wachira said.

The remarks position Kindiki at the centre of the emerging succession debate in the region, even as the 2027 presidential contest takes shape.