Over 40 MPs from Mt Kenya ditch DP Gachagua, shift allegiance to CS Kindiki

Over 40 Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region and Nairobi have publicly distanced themselves from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and pledged their support to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

The lawmakers announced that Kindiki is now their primary link to President William Ruto.

The group, spearheaded by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa and Finance Committee Chairperson Kuria Kimani, stated that they have collectively decided that CS Kindiki will be the region's main representative in the President's office.

The MPs justified their decision by highlighting concerns over potential developmental delays in the region, citing stalled projects as a pressing issue.

“In light of these concerns, we convene to reaffirm our dedication to the unity and development of the Mt Kenya region and its diaspora. We are committed to advancing both the collective interests of our region and the broader goals of the Kenyan nation. Our unity must be aligned with national unity, as we are one indivisible people of Kenya. Our country’s welfare must remain our top priority,” the MPs said in a statement on Thursday.

The MPs expressed frustration with the political climate, which they believe has hindered their efforts to address the developmental needs of their constituents.

They also criticised the ongoing political infighting in the region, which they feel prioritises personal ambitions over collective regional interests.

“Our attempts to consolidate and advocate for the developmental needs of our people have been thwarted by a lack of a clear focal point for channelling their interests to the government. Instead, Mt Kenya has been caught in high-stakes politics focused on personal ambitions rather than the needs of our constituents,” the MPs said.

They noted that efforts to address these challenges have been met with threats of political repercussions unless they align with certain personal interests.

With less than three years remaining in the current administration’s term, the MPs said there is a need for an urgent focus on developmental priorities.

The MPs outlined several key areas for immediate attention, including legislative reforms critical to revitalising key economic sectors such as agriculture and business.

They highlighted the need for better prices for food and cash crops like coffee, tea, potatoes, and macadamia, as well as improvements in the pricing of milk and poultry products.

Additionally, they called for the reduction of animal feed costs and progress on stalled road, water, and electricity projects.

“We are behind schedule in enacting legislative reforms necessary for the revitalisation of key economic sectors relevant to our constituents. We are also facing delays in completing several crucial development projects,” they decried.

The MPs reaffirmed their commitment to championing a favourable Division of Revenue regime and accelerating legislative reforms to support their constituents' economic interests.

They pledged to work diligently to implement the priority projects outlined in the Kenya Kwanza Plan and ensure that stalled projects receive the necessary funding.

“With unity and a focused approach, we believe we can achieve significant outcomes for our people in the remaining three years. We are committed to redoubling our efforts to ensure the successful implementation of key projects and legislative reforms,” the MPs said.