NAIROBI, Kenya – A section of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MPs has rejected Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s endorsement as Mt Kenya’s spokesperson and political kingpin, insisting that former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains the region’s recognised leader.
The lawmakers — Ndia MP George Kariuki, Juja MP George Koimburi and Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua — challenged the process through which Kindiki was endorsed at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County on September 19.
They argued that the ceremony did not involve all elders, elected leaders, and communities in the wider Mt Kenya region.
Their position sets up another contest over political leadership in the region as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
MPs Reject Kindiki’s Endorsement
Speaking during a meeting with Kiama Kia Ma elders in Juja, the MPs said the Kirigiti gathering could not be treated as a region-wide decision.
Kariuki argued that the process was conducted without adequate consultation and said leaders would continue to recognise Uhuru Kenyatta as the region’s political leader.
“We only recognise Uhuru as the region’s rightful kingpin,” Kariuki said.
He said the lawmakers would seek Kenyatta’s blessings before any new regional kingpin was installed.
The MPs’ position contrasts with the declaration made at Kirigiti, where elders from the Agikuyu, Ameru, Aembu and Ambeere communities endorsed Kindiki as the region’s spokesperson and representative.
Elders Disown Kirigiti Process
The lawmakers said the installation should have involved a broader group of elders from the GEMA communities.
They described the process as hurried and questioned why the ceremony was held at a public stadium rather than at a traditional shrine.
Kikuyu elders led by Maina wa Kibe and Mwangi Kagumo said they were surprised to learn about the ceremony through the media.
The Kiama Kia Ma elders said they had not been involved and questioned the legitimacy of the process.
Kariuki Mocks Falling Crown
Kariuki also seized on a moment during the ceremony when the traditional headgear placed on Kindiki’s head fell to the ground.
He interpreted the incident as evidence that the installation had failed.
The incident has since become a talking point among Kindiki’s political opponents.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua similarly interpreted the falling headgear as a sign that the ceremony had been rejected, although that is his political and cultural interpretation rather than an established fact.
Koimburi Takes Aim at Kindiki
Koimburi, who has increasingly criticised Kindiki, questioned the Deputy President’s influence within the current administration.
He accused Kindiki of working with other government leaders in ways he said had contributed to divisions in Mt Kenya.
Koimburi also cited Kindiki’s absence from some government events, including President William Ruto’s recent tour of Nyanza, as evidence that the Deputy President had not sufficiently asserted himself.
He argued that Mt Kenya needs a leader capable of advancing the region’s interests beyond the 2027 election.
MPs Raise Illicit Brew Concerns
The lawmakers also criticised the government over the continued spread of illicit and second-generation alcoholic brews in parts of Mt Kenya.
Kariuki said the MPs would push for stronger enforcement of existing laws against illegal and counterfeit alcohol.
They argued that the problem was damaging communities and exposing young people to serious risks.
Kindiki Defends Elders’ Decision
Kindiki has defended the Kirigiti endorsement, challenging critics to confront the elders who made the decision.
Speaking in Tharaka Nithi after the gathering, he said the elders represented different clans from the wider Mt Kenya region and had tasked him with promoting unity, reconciliation and development.
“30,000 elders from different clans in Mt Kenya came to Kirigiti,” Kindiki said, challenging those opposed to the decision to engage directly with the elders.
