Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has intensified efforts to consolidate his political influence in the Mt Kenya region, with a high-profile meeting with Embu County leaders marking his latest strategic move.
This initiative is part of an apparent plan to strengthen his foothold in the region, despite emerging dissent and political challenges.
In a meeting held earlier today, the Deputy President engaged Embu County leaders, grassroots influencers, and clergy members in discussions framed around development priorities and citizen empowerment programs.
The gathering underscores his strategy to rally support in the politically critical Mt Kenya region.
“Engagement with Embu County leaders and grassroots opinion shapers on the county’s development priorities for revitalization of critical value chains and citizen empowerment programs,” Kindiki remarked, emphasizing his focus on tangible governance initiatives.
Kindiki, the most senior government official from Mt Kenya following the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, is keen to assert control over the region. His actions come amid heightened political activity and growing factions within the bloc.
Prominent figures at the meeting included Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Senator Alex Mundigi, and Members of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku, Pamela Njeru, and Eric Muchangi, among others.
These alliances are seen as pivotal as Embu County commands a registered voter base of 334,302, with Manyatta constituency leading at 106,588 registered voters.
Mt Kenya, traditionally a unified voting bloc, has long wielded substantial influence in national elections. However, political rifts threaten its “tyranny of numbers,” raising concerns about diminished bargaining power on the national stage.
Kindiki faces an uphill battle to counter the influence of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who has been actively re-engaging Mt Kenya constituents from his ‘Wamunyoro’ residence.
Gachagua has been fanning rebellion and is reportedly preparing to launch a new political party later this month.
In response, Kindiki has strategically focused on Mt Kenya East—his home region—which boasts 1.3 million voters. His meeting with leaders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties at his Karen residence was a calculated step to solidify his base before expanding his outreach to the larger Mt Kenya West region, which holds 4.6 million voters.
