The Mt Kenya region is experiencing turbulence, as a display of power dynamics continue to shape up the central regional political landscape.
Amidst calls for unity during the Limuru III conference, several leaders emphasized the central role of former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the region’s political kingpin.
This is as questions begin to mount on the whereabouts of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who has missed several state events of late with no indication of where he is.
“We only have one kingpin who is recognized by the community and that is Uhuru Kenyatta. He is our current leader in Mt Kenya and he will hand over the kingpinship whenever he deems appropriate to do so,” stated George Maara, a 2022 senatorial aspirant under the Jubilee party.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru accused the government of orchestrating oppression against the region through institutions like the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission and the Kenya Revenue Authority. He lamented the plight of Mt Kenya-owned businesses and criticized leaders for allegedly colluding with the regime to pass oppressive legislation.
“The government is out to finish the people of our region. They are the same government that arrested our mothers and fathers and branded them Mungiki, they have branded our youth Mungiki and intimidate them through unwarranted arrests,” Njiru said.
Minority whip Mark Mwenje rallied the people to resist government oppression, drawing parallels to the Maumau resistance against colonial rule. He questioned the inaction of Mt Kenya MPs in addressing the region’s challenges, including high taxes and economic downturn.
“If Maumau had the courage to fight the colonial regime, did the fighters sire cowards who couldn’t fight for themselves? Those who supported this regime had no agreement that Mt Kenya people would be oppressed. Why are we being cowed by this regime? We can fight it,” Mwenje said.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu expressed regret for supporting the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, alleging deception during the campaign period. He announced his resignation from UDA and pledged to advocate for Mt Kenya’s interests, including equitable resource distribution.
“I was among those who campaigned for UDA, and as a result, our people were lied to. We were duped,” Waititu said.
Thuo Mathenge, also known as Wanguku, called for unity between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Uhuru Kenyatta ahead of the 2027 General Elections. He urged Gachagua to prioritize the region’s unity and prosperity.
“I am calling upon the people of Mt Kenya to unite. We should not stop at Limuru but the meetings should spread across all the counties of Mt Kenya. Gachagua should move away from the media and look for Uhuru Kenyatta and should both unite the region for its prosperity,” Wanguku said.
These statements underscore the complex political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region, characterized by calls for unity, grievances against the government, and strategic positioning ahead of future elections.
