Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic political pivot, influential elders from Mount Kenya East have thrown their full support behind Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, dismissing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent unity overtures as insincere and rooted in tribal animus.
In what analysts are calling the “Runyenjes Declaration”, councils from Embu, Meru, Tharaka‑Nithi, and Mbeere issued a collective statement that not only reaffirmed their endorsement of Kindiki but also condemned Gachagua for fostering ethnic tensions and failing to deliver on regional development promises.
“Our message is unequivocal,” declared the elders. “Gachagua divided our people… He was never ready to support the Mt Kenya East agenda.” The declaration further criticized Gachagua’s assertions as being driven by bias toward Mt Kenya West, and labeled his attempts at reconciliation as “an insult to our people”.
This public show of loyalty marks a striking shift. The elders referenced the Izaak Walton Declaration of September 2024, in which they had already withdrawn support from Gachagua, reinforcing that this alignment is deep-rooted and based on consistent governance expectations.
They praised Kindiki’s performance in his first eight months in office, citing his emphasis on discipline, development, and national cohesion. The elders insisted that any attacks on Kindiki would be interpreted as attacks on the region itself—and vowed to “protect and defend” him.
Analysts see this as more than a regional statement—it may be a strategic attempt to consolidate political power ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Mt Kenya East firmly in Kindiki’s corner, the announcement reshapes local political dynamics and challenges Gachagua’s influence across the broader Mt Kenya region.
Key Takeaways
- Unified endorsement: Multiple traditional councils including Njuri Ncheke, Ngome, and Nyangi Ndiriri reaffirmed their backing of Kindiki.
- Ethnic cleavage highlighted: The elders accused Gachagua of inciting tribal rifts, particularly between Mt Kenya East and West.
- Political future at stake: This declaration signals a realignment that could influence the upcoming 2027 presidential contest.
As tensions deepen and alliances shift, this statement from Mt Kenya East elders underscores the growing significance of regional leaders and their capacity to shape national political narratives—especially in a region long considered a kingmaker in Kenyan elections.
Capturing this bold, region-wide declaration as it unfolds positions your publication at the forefront of Kenya’s evolving political landscape—where loyalty, legacy, and strategy collide.
