Mount Kenya East leaders have opened a new political chapter by positioning Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the region’s preferred choice for the presidency in 2032, while throwing their weight behind President William Ruto’s re-election campaign in 2027.
The leaders from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo said the region would remain within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and work to retain the current administration before pursuing its own claim to the presidency.
Their position emerged during a UDA polling centre leaders’ meeting held at Kinoru Stadium on Friday, where speakers argued that Mount Kenya East had played a major role in supporting leaders from the western side of the region and should now receive similar backing.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said the region had consistently stood with Mount Kenya West in previous political contests and should now be supported in its push to have Kindiki become president.
“We are not children of a stepmother; Mount Kenya is one. Over the years, we have supported our brothers from the west in leadership, from the Deputy Presidency to the Presidency. Now, it is time for them to return the favour and support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. That is not too much to ask for,” Mutuma said.
Mutuma said continued support for the Kenya Kwanza administration was also driven by development programmes covering healthcare, roads, affordable housing and agriculture.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki said Kindiki’s current position gives him a clear path to the top seat, pointing to Kenya’s political history involving former deputy presidents who later became head of state.
“History shows that you can become President if you have served as Deputy President. We are almost there, and we should support the Deputy President until he becomes President,” Njuki said.
He called on residents to give Ruto and Kindiki another term in office, saying their partnership should be allowed to run for the full 10 years.
“There is no difference between President William Ruto and DP Kindiki; they are joined at the hip. Why would you want them to serve for only five years?” he said.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo gave the succession push an even stronger endorsement, saying he was certain Kindiki would become Kenya’s sixth president after the 2027 elections.
“I have no doubt that after 2027, the next, sixth President of the Republic of Kenya will be Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki,” Guyo said.
Guyo pointed to the Nithi Bridge project and plans for a Level Six hospital in Meru as examples of what he described as the administration’s development record.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga challenged Meru residents to deliver one million votes to the government, saying a strong showing would help safeguard projects being implemented in the county.
Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene also backed the deputy president, saying Kindiki had played a role in advancing projects included in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi rejected suggestions that the county could shift its political allegiance to new parties.
“The people of Meru are not stupid. We formed this government, we voted for it, and we cannot now be told to leave UDA, the party we formed and voted for and go and form another government whose owners we do not know,” he said.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire accused some leaders from Mount Kenya West of failing to recognise Kindiki’s political standing and reminded them of the support they had received from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu.
“For 37 years, we, the people of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu, have supported you. This time round, they should support our son, Professor Kithure Kindiki,” she said.
Former Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo urged the region to maintain a united front behind Kindiki, saying the political moment presented an opportunity for Mount Kenya East to produce a president.
“For the first time, East of this mountain, we will get a President of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
The leaders therefore want the region to focus first on securing a second Ruto-Kindiki term in 2027, while using the period to build support for Kindiki’s expected presidential bid five years later.