Mt Kenya leaders warn ODM against targeting DP Kindiki’s seat

A section of leaders from the Mt Kenya region has issued a stern warning to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over calls to have the Deputy President’s position included in anticipated coalition talks, declaring that the seat is non-negotiable.

Led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, MPs Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Kirima Ngushine (Imenti Central), John Mutunga (Tigania West) and Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, the leaders said the region stands firmly behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Governor Njuki dismissed ODM’s declaration that they were interested in the Deputy President position, insisting that the position already has “an able occupant who has served President William Ruto diligently.”

“The Deputy President’s seat should be off the table completely. There is no tangible reason why it should be targeted,” Governor Njuki said, adding that Mt Kenya’s voting strength cannot be ignored in any political arrangement.

Governor Njuki further stated that should ODM persist in demanding the position in coalition negotiations, then the ruling party could as well “donate” Kindiki to ODM but retain him as Deputy President underscoring that his position remains non-negotiable.

The leaders cautioned ODM against what they termed as premature political ambitions, warning that attempts to destabilize the current constitutional order could heighten political tensions in the country.

Kiunjuri, who was the guest at an CBOs empowerment event at Katheri East in Imenti Central, Meru, organised by Muthoni, warned against internal divisions within the Mt Kenya region, saying tribal fragmentation would weaken the community politically.

“Once Ameru, Embu and Kikuyu accept to be divided along tribal lines, we will be finished one by one,” he said.

The leaders defended President William Ruto’s development record, citing ongoing infrastructure projects, revival of stalled roads, expansion of electricity connectivity, water projects and housing programmes across the country.

They accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition figures of misleading residents into abandoning the government, arguing that Mt Kenya overwhelmingly voted for the current administration and should safeguard its stake.

“Why should Mt Kenya be seen as the enemy of this government yet it voted overwhelmingly for it?” Governor Njuki posed.

The leaders also referenced the bottom-up economic model championed by President Ruto, saying empowerment of community-based organisations and grassroots projects is already bearing fruit in the region.

Mutunga said the government’s empowerment agenda is transforming lives through roads, markets, hospitals and water connectivity.

“Good leaders are ready to empower the people and listen to their needs,” he said.

Ms Muthoni urged Mt Kenya to speak with one voice and avoid divisive politics, describing Kindiki as a unifying and development-oriented leader.

“We are ready for any type of coalition, but the Deputy President Kindiki’s seat is a no-go zone. We will defend it by all means,” she said.

The leaders maintained that President Ruto and his deputy are politically tied, arguing that there cannot be separate political paths for the two.

“There is no vote for Ruto and a separate vote for Kindiki. It is tied. If one goes, the other goes,” Mr Kiunjuri said.