MURANGA, Kenya- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed to do whatever is necessary to preserve the unity of the Mt Kenya region, warning against efforts to divide communities that have historically shared political, cultural and economic interests.
Speaking on Sunday, August 9, 2026, during a church service in Murang’a, Kindiki urged residents of the region to remain united despite growing political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We will pay whatever price we need to pay to make sure that the community remains united,” Kindiki said.
He added: “I urge you to live together. We started building this country together, culture and business.”
Kindiki said he had witnessed the unity of the communities in the region and urged them to maintain it going forward.
“I found the unity of Mt Kenya communities. Let us continue with unity,” he said.
His remarks come amid an increasingly public debate over the political identity and organisation of Mt Kenya East, with some leaders advocating for a stronger and more distinct regional voice ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has been associated with calls for greater political organisation of Mt Kenya East, particularly around the interests of Meru, Embu and Tharaka communities.
Kindiki, however, has previously rejected attempts to separate Mt Kenya East from Mt Kenya West, saying the communities should remain united.
The Deputy President’s latest comments could deepen the political contrast between his position and that of leaders pushing for greater regional differentiation.
Kindiki’s intervention also comes at a time when political actors are intensifying efforts to consolidate support across Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections. The region remains a critical electoral bloc, with competing political camps seeking to influence its voting patterns and leadership direction.
The Deputy President has maintained that unity gives the region greater political leverage and creates room for its communities to negotiate collectively on national issues.
His position has also received unexpected backing from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently praised Kindiki for rejecting efforts to divide Mt Kenya East from Mt Kenya West. Gachagua, however, remains a political opponent of President William Ruto and leads the Democracy for Citizens Party.
The emerging debate has therefore placed Kindiki in an unusual position, with his call for regional unity cutting across the political divide even as he continues to support President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Kindiki has argued that Mt Kenya communities should focus on their shared interests rather than allow political competition to create permanent divisions.
With the 2027 election approaching, the question of whether Mt Kenya will operate as a united political bloc or develop separate regional strategies is expected to remain a major issue in Kenya’s political contest.
