Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has made a passionate appeal to the Mt Kenya region to remain united despite the emerging political differences that are beginning to shape the community's direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at Gaichanjiru Catholic Church in Kandara, Murang'a county on Sunday, Kindiki called on residents to focus on what binds them together rather than allow political competition to tear apart the bonds that have held the region together for years.
He reminded the community that regardless of which political candidates they choose to support, they will remain one people long after the elections are over.
"Politics is a competition for leadership, and it is temporary. When it is over, we will remain one community and one nation," Kindiki said in his address.
The Deputy President's message comes at a time when Mt Kenya leaders are increasingly divided over whether the region should continue backing President William Ruto or pursue a different political path in the coming election.
The Mt Kenya region, which has historically been a key political battleground, is currently experiencing tensions as different political camps jostle for influence.
Some leaders, particularly allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, are working to build an alternative political formation, while Kenya Kwanza leaders have been campaigning hard to ensure the region maintains its support for President Ruto.
Kindiki emphasized that the region's unity has been a source of strength in business, culture, and political matters over the years. He urged residents to maintain this spirit of togetherness even when they disagree on political matters.
The Deputy President stressed that communities should not be forced to support any particular political side, and that voters should be free to make independent choices when the time comes.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira added his voice to the call for regional support of Kindiki, arguing that backing the Deputy President offered Mt Kenya the shortest route back to the presidency in 2032. Wachira's remarks positioned Kindiki as a potential successor who could benefit the region politically.
However, nominated MP Sabina Chege also joined the chorus calling for unity, using a powerful metaphor to drive home the message. "We will not divide the mountain. It will remain one. I assure you that the mountain is one. Do not be told by some people that one part of the mountain does not support you.
You are one of us," she said. Chege cautioned against forcing residents to support particular political sides and urged voters to assess leaders based on their individual records rather than party affiliations.
The Deputy President's appeal for tolerance was particularly significant given the rising political temperature in the region. Kindiki warned against political insults, violence, and destruction of property, noting that those who lose elections would have other opportunities to seek leadership in the future. He called on the community to treat politics as a competition for positions rather than as a reason for communities to turn against each other.
"I humbly appeal to you that we should be people who tolerate one another. Even if we have small political differences here at home, we should not use those differences to disrupt the peace of our community and the peace of the nation," Kindiki said in his closing remarks.
The Deputy President's visit to the region and his strong message about unity reflects growing concerns among national leaders about the potential for political divisions to undermine social cohesion in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 election.
His call for residents to put the interests of the community and country above political competition represents an attempt to manage the emerging tensions before they escalate further.
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