THARAKA-NITHI, Kenya- Tharaka-Nithi County Assembly Majority Leader Justin Kithinji has opposed calls to politically divide the Mt Kenya region into separate blocs of Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, arguing that such moves risk weakening the community’s collective influence.
Kithinji said the region should remain united despite differences in political preferences, warning that fragmentation could undermine its bargaining power in national politics.
His remarks come amid growing debate among leaders over proposals for a political realignment between Mt Kenya East counties — Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi — and Mt Kenya West counties, including Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua.
The debate was reignited after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku advocated for a stronger separate political identity for Mt Kenya East, arguing that the region needed to reassess its political relationship with Mt Kenya West.
‘Division Will Not Help the Mountain’
Kithinji maintained that the interests of residents from different parts of Mt Kenya are better served through unity rather than political separation.
He argued that historical, cultural and economic ties among the communities should not be turned into political fault lines.
The county assembly leader joins a growing list of leaders pushing back against calls for a political divorce within the region. Critics of the proposal have argued that splitting the bloc could reduce its national negotiating power ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Growing Battle Over Mt Kenya’s Political Direction
The debate over the future of Mt Kenya’s political identity has intensified as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
Some leaders from Mt Kenya East have argued that the region has historically not received sufficient recognition despite its political support for national leaders, calling for a stronger voice in decision-making.
Supporters of the unity argument, however, say the region’s influence has traditionally come from acting as a consolidated voting bloc.
The disagreement has also played out among leaders allied to President William Ruto, with some backing greater autonomy for Mt Kenya East while others insist the region should remain politically united.
Kindiki Factor
The debate has taken place against the backdrop of growing focus on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s political future and his influence in Mt Kenya East.
Some leaders from the region have positioned Kindiki as a key figure in championing Mt Kenya East interests, while others have cautioned against using his rise to create divisions within the wider Mt Kenya community.
Kithinji’s position adds another voice to the emerging contest over whether Mt Kenya’s political future lies in a united regional approach or separate regional identities.
As 2027 approaches, the debate over unity, representation and political bargaining power is expected to remain a major issue in Mt Kenya politics.