Political temperatures in the Mt Kenya region took a new turn after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki called on leaders to put past political battles behind them, saying he is prepared to work with former rivals in the interest of unity and the region's future.
Speaking at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi on Thursday during a meeting with grassroots women leaders from Meru County, Kindiki said political competition should never be allowed to weaken relationships among leaders who come from communities that have lived and worked together for generations.
He said he held no bitterness against leaders who had criticised him in the past and was ready to move forward without resentment.
“I have no issue with leaders who insulted me. I forgive them and ask them to come, we work,” he said.
Kindiki mentioned former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as leaders he was willing to work alongside despite previous political disagreements.
“I have no issue with any of my fellow leaders from this region and I love them,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki meets grassroots Women leaders in Irunduni, Meru County on August 6, 2026, during public engagement tour.
PHOTO/DPCS
The Deputy President also reached out to politicians who feel left out in other political camps, urging them to join hands with him instead of remaining on the sidelines.
“I welcome those being treated with contempt in other political arrangements to come and work with us,” Prof Kindiki said.
He said it was worrying to see some leaders from the region feeling neglected, adding that there was room for everyone willing to work together.
“I have seen that our brothers have started being treated with contempt. I want to tell them to come on board so that we can work together because we are one people,” Prof Kindiki said.
He added: “They should come and work with the Fireman in this government so that we can help them secure positions in ministries and other senior offices because this is our government.”
Kindiki's remarks come as political leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Mt Kenya remaining one of the country's most influential voting blocs and a key target for competing political camps.
The DP maintained that political rivalry should not erase the strong bonds that have united communities across the region over the years, saying cooperation had always gone beyond politics.
“We have always worked together culturally, politically, commercially and transacted everything together across Mt Kenya,” he said.
He also ruled out engaging in political insults, saying he had no interest in attacking fellow leaders from the region despite their differences.
“Do you want me to insult fellow Mt Kenya leaders? I have no problem with them,” he said.
As political realignments continue to unfold, the Deputy President's appeal signals an effort to bring together leaders who have found themselves on opposing sides in recent years while encouraging greater cooperation ahead of the next election cycle.
Although discussions around the 2027 race continue to gather momentum, Prof Kindiki maintained that his message was centred on reconciliation, unity and ensuring leaders from the region work together despite their political history.