Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in uniting the politically charged Mt Kenya region and rallying it towards President William Ruto's reelection efforts.
Kindiki, who is under immense pressure to deliver the region that has openly rebelled against Ruto, has asked former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi to seek out retired President Uhuru and encourage him to help keep the region united ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Kindiki said Kiraitu was the best person to deliver the message because of his long political experience and history in the region.
“Vilevile, wacha nikutume mzee Kiraitu. Kwa sababu unajua, mzee Kiraitu hakuna mtu mwingine ako na CV ambayo uko nayo. Hata mimi sijafikisha hapo,” Kindiki said.
The DP asked Kiraitu to meet Uhuru and discuss the need for Mt Kenya leaders to maintain a common political direction.
“What you do, enda utafute Rais mstaafu Uhuru Kenyatta. Ni kiongozi wetu, sisi tulimuunga mkono mia kwa mia,” Kindiki said.
He indicated that Uhuru is still a significant figure in Mt Kenya politics because of his leadership history and influence in the region.
The deputy president recalled his role as part of Uhuru’s legal team during the International Criminal Court (ICC) cases at The Hague, where Uhuru and Ruto faced charges before the cases were terminated.
“Siku alikuwa na case kule Hague, wakiwa na naibu wake wa siku hiyo, Rais Ruto. Mimi nilikuwa mmoja wa wale mawakili ambao tulikazana mpaka akarudi hapa Kenya, akakuwa rais na Ruto akawa naibu rais,” he said.
He added that after Uhuru became president, leaders who had supported him continued to work with his administration. “Na wakati amekuwa rais tumemuunga mkono,” Kindiki said.
He went ahead to ask Kiraitu to tell Uhuru to help protect the unity of the Mt Kenya community and prevent divisions based on different political positions.
“Kwa hivyo tafuta kiongozi wetu, Uhuru Kenyatta, umwambie mzungumze, ndio sasa kama watu ambao mmestaafu, mhakikishe kwamba hii jamii imekaa vile tuliipata,” he said.
He warned against allowing the region to develop competing political voices.
Kindiki’s assertions came days after he repeatedly called for unity in Mt Kenya and rejected calls that the region should be divided into separate political blocs.
On July 19, 2026, in Embu, he warned leaders pushing for divisions in the region to “relax”, saying Mt Kenya communities should remain together. “We are one people,” he said.
Kindiki’s request to Kiraitu comes amid increasing political competition over the direction of Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been vigorously campaigning for unity in the region, arguing that Mt Kenya must protect its political influence by speaking with one voice.
At the same time, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has pushed for stronger recognition of Mt Kenya East, arguing that counties such as Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi deserve greater representation and opportunities.
The debate has created a wider discussion about whether Mt Kenya should maintain a united political identity or whether the eastern part of the region should pursue a more distinct political voice.
Kindiki has opposed attempts to create divisions, saying political competition should not destroy historical ties among communities.
He also indicated that the 2027 vote for Ruto will be the last one, after which the president will retire like Uhuru.
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