Mt.Kenya East elected leaders drawn from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Embu counties met on Monday in Embu County where the group said they would champion their interests, independent from the larger Mt Kenya region, and picked Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as their kingpin.
Interestingly the lawmakers at today’s meeting pushing for a split of Mt Kenya into East and West voted YES for the Finance Bill. A clear sign that they do not listen to the ground. This fragmentation could serve the interests of those who wish to diminish the region’s bargaining power on the national stage.
Moving to follow CS Kithure Kindiki will split the political power and relevance of the Mt Kenya region and this certainly, is not what the people in any part of the region want.
The disconnect between them (leaders from Mt Kenya East) and the electorates is glaring and residents believe they are working in cohorts with the powers that be, to reduce the political power and relevance of the region’s leaders. Especially Deputy President Gachagua.
However, the question is, who benefits from a divided and weak Mt Kenya?
The vote-rich region has been a key player in Kenya’s power dynamics for the last five general elections and voters understand that if cast in one basket, their votes have the power to give Kenya a President in any election.
Residents are now wondering what the real motive of this latest push to split the region to East and West is. They are questioning whether the Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi people are safer alone in the Ruto government, rather than together with their brothers in the wider Mt Kenya.
What is this that CS Kithure Kindiki will do for Mt Kenya East that the Deputy President cannot? And why would Mt Kenya East exchange an elected leader (DP Gachagua) for CS Kindiki, a Ruto appointee who represents Ruto’s interests in government?
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been calling for the unity of the region because it enhances the region’s ability to negotiate effectively and maintain a strong, collective voice, which he says is vital for addressing regional needs and influencing national decisions.
Splitting Mt Kenya, as pushed by allies of CS Kithure Kindiki undermines its strength and could harm its capacity to achieve meaningful outcomes for its people.
