In recent months, the political climate in the Mt. Kenya region has become increasingly turbulent, marked by deepening divisions and discord among its leaders.
Political analysts are now warning that these fractures are part of a deliberate strategy akin to what President Daniel arap Moi used in the past to weaken and control the region. This strategy, referred to by some as “fattening for slaughter,” involves enticing leaders with positions and promises to ensure they act in ways that undermine the region’s unity and political influence.
During the 1990s, President Moi employed a divide-and-rule tactic in the Mt. Kenya region to prevent a unified political front against his presidency.
By creating divisions between prominent leaders like Kenneth Matiba and Mwai Kibaki, Moi ensured that their votes were split, preventing any formidable challenge to his rule.
Political analyst Prof. Macharia Munene explains, “Moi was a master at creating confusion among his opponents. By fostering divisions within Mt. Kenya, he diluted the region’s collective political strength, which played a significant role in his ability to maintain power for over two decades.”
Today, a similar strategy appears to be unfolding. Recent moves, such as the endorsement of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as a leader in Mt. Kenya East, despite his previous rivalry with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, are seen as deliberate attempts to fracture the region further.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been vocal about the need for Mt. Kenya to unite to lobby for resources, development, and opportunities.
However, his calls for unity have been met with resistance from key leaders like National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah, who has accused Gachagua of advancing his interests rather than those of the people.
Political analyst Dr. Joyce Nyawira notes, “Ichung’wah and others, including Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, are now being positioned to counter Gachagua’s influence. Their rhetoric and actions suggest a coordinated effort to keep the region fragmented and politically weak.”
The strategy involves breaking the region into smaller, competing units, ensuring that it lacks a unified objective or leader to advocate effectively for its interests.
As Prof. Munene highlights, “A divided Mt. Kenya loses its bargaining power in the national arena. It will be difficult for them to secure development projects, favorable policies, or appointments commensurate with their voting power. This is what it means to be ‘fattened for slaughter’ – they are being primed to lose their political significance.”
The current strategy is reminiscent of President Moi’s playbook, with the key difference being the regional leaders’ participation in their subjugation. Political commentator David Owino argues, “Mt. Kenya is being dismembered from within. Leaders who have been co-opted into this scheme are effectively leading their people into a political slaughterhouse, where their interests will be sacrificed for individual gain.”
Residents and scholars alike fear that the consequences of this division will be severe. Economically, the region risks losing access to resources, development funds, and critical infrastructure projects like the stalled Mau Mau roads and various dams. Political scientist Dr. Ng’ang’a Njoroge warns, “If Mt. Kenya remains divided, it will lose its leverage to lobby for favorable policies for small-scale businesses, the Jua Kali sector, and agricultural sectors like coffee and tea farming. The region will also face challenges pushing for fair tax policies.”
Residents, such as John Muriuki from Kirinyaga, express concern over the future: “Our leaders are being bought for selfish gains, and it is we, the people, who will suffer. We need unity to ensure we get our fair share from the government.”
Mt. Kenya’s political disunity threatens to reverse the gains it has made over the years. Political strategist Mwenda Muthomi states, “In the past, the region has benefited from having a strong, united political head who could negotiate on its behalf. Without this unity, Mt. Kenya risks becoming politically irrelevant, unable to advocate for its development or even secure government appointments.”
Leaders who are perceived as betraying the region’s interests are increasingly being criticized by their constituents. At a recent church service in Kangema, MP Peter Kihungi criticized those undermining Gachagua’s efforts, stating, “Politicians should stop meddling in the affairs of tea and coffee farming. Claims that the Deputy President was colluding with brokers are a high level of disrespect.”
Residents and opinion leaders alike urge the region to remain vigilant and avoid repeating past mistakes. Prof. Munene concludes, “Mt. Kenya must learn from history. The region cannot afford to be divided and must resist any attempts to be ‘fattened for slaughter.’ Only by standing united can they secure their future and ensure their voices are heard.”
As Mt. Kenya faces these uncertain times, the question remains: will it heed the lessons of the past and unite, or will it fall prey to the age-old strategy of division and conquer?
The future of the region’s political and economic power hangs in the balance.
