Respect Mt Kenya elders, Kindiki tells political rivals

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has asked Mt Kenya leaders to respect elders as he defended their decision to endorse him as the region’s political kingpin ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The DP appealed to politicians to heed the call for unity from the elders. He said that communities with a shared history, interests, and aspirations should not be divided by political differences.

But the DP defended the elders' move, saying all the three gatherings in Meru, Embu and Kiambu counties were initiated by elders.

"A community is formed by its elders, not politicians. When you leave the community to politicians, they will start dividing people because they are competing for political seats,” the DP said.

The meeting in Nchiru, Meru County was an initiative of elders from across Mount Kenya region, including Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru.

Speaking in Tharaka-Nithi County while inspecting road projects on Monday, Prof Kindiki said he was under strict instructions from elders to unite Mt Kenya region and the country.

He spoke days after elders from the Meru, Embu, Mbeere and Kikuyu communities on Saturday endorsed him as the region’s spokesman at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County.

"The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders asked me to wait for their directions as they engaged their colleagues. The elders also asked all politicians to desist from dividing the region,” he said.

The DP said that he would soon begin meetings aimed at uniting Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West as instructed by elders.

During his coronation on Saturday, elders told Prof Kindiki to champion the interests of all the communities in Mt Kenya region.

“We hereby endorse and mandate Prof Kithure Kindiki to serve as our spokesperson and representative in advancing the interests and aspirations of the Mount Kenya Region,” they declared.

Prof Kindiki is banking on the elders’ endorsement to enhance the ruling party's support in Mt Kenya region amid growing opposition.

But even as Prof Kindiki was installed as the community spokesperson, divisions have already emerged over who has the authority to speak for Mt Kenya.

Some elders from the Agikuyu elders disowned Prof Kindiki’s coronation, while politicians opposed to President William Ruto’s administration questioned the legitimacy of the process. The disagreements turned what was presented as a cultural gathering into another contest over the region’s political leadership.

The event also added to a growing list of attempts to install political spokesmen for the region.

Elders have previously bestowed similar honours on Jomo Kenyatta in 1947, Njenga Karume in 1978, Uhuru Kenyatta in 2012, Raila Odinga in 2020 and Justin Muturi in 2021. Prof Kindiki has now received the honour twice in 2026, including his earlier elevation by the Njuri Ncheke in Meru.

Kiama Kia Ma patron Kung’u Muigai dismissed the Kirigiti declaration as null and void, while Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago said his wing kept away from the ceremony.

Juja MP George Koimburi described the gathering as a political circus, while Ndia MP George Kariuki also questioned its quality, substance and legitimacy.

Mr Muigai said the Kikuyu Council of Elders had not sanctioned the ceremony or authorised the use of its regalia.

“It reaches a point where you have to step aside and be witness to what is unfolding. I think that was the Kiama Kia Ma event and we as Kikuyu Council of Elders were not involved,” he said.

Mr Muigai asked communities from Mt Kenya region to remain united and focused on their collective political interests.

He claimed that some elders who attended Prof Kindiki’s coronation had previously visited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County and recognised him as the political leader of Mt Kenya.

 Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.