Mt Kenya leaders embrace DP Kindiki, appeal for unity

The inauguration of Prof Kithure Kindiki as Kenya’s new Deputy President has been welcomed by a section of leaders from the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

Prof Kindiki was sworn in on Friday, a day after the High Court lifted orders barring his inauguration.

His predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was impeached by Parliament in October, but moved to court to challenge his removal from the top office and replacement.

But on Thursday, a three-bench judge lifted Prof Kindiki’s swearing in, arguing that the position of Deputy President should not remain vacant in accordance with the country’s Constitution.

Leaders who spoke to AVDelta News on Friday argued that Prof Kindiki is the best suited person for the country’s second-in-command position.

Lawyer Ndung’u Wangenye exuded confidence that the new DP will be able to unite the country towards economic development.

“The moment you antagonize national unity, you definitely touch the umbilical cord of the nation’s economic progress. The DP should be a father figure who is supposed to bring together all their children. I support DP Kindiki and believe that he will ensure that the country speaks in one voice towards progress,” Mr Wangenye said.

Mr Wangenye appealed to Mt Kenya residents to remain united amidst the ouster of Mr Gachagua who emanated from the region.

He said the region should now strategise afresh and chart its way forward ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Mt Kenya should maintain peace, come together, and chart the way forward towards the next polls. Never again should we vote based on emotions and anger. We need to sober up and know where we are heading to and who will lead us moving forward,” Mr Wangenye said.

Mr Wangenye, who is also the National Secretary of Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (KETHAWA), urged the region to elect professionals as leaders.

“We should know that the more we ignore our professionals, the more we glorify mediocracy. The governance of this country needs serious leaders who have reputable scorecards,” he said.

Amani Kwa Wote national chairman Paul Kariuki urged all Kenyans to maintain peace and embrace the leadership DP Kindiki.

Mr Kariuki also appealed to residents of Mt Kenya West and Mt Kenya East to shun being divided along political affiliations.

“It is clear that we now have a new Deputy President. I want to tell our people of Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West to continue uniting and rallying behind the leadership of President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki,” Mr Kariuki, who is also a leader of Kenya Council of Elders (KCE), said.

“Let us embrace the new DP and I believe that we will move forward towards excellence. Let us pray for our government so that it propels this nation forward,” he added.

Mr Kariuki was speaking to AVDelta News in Nyeri town on Friday while flanked by several religious leaders.

DP Kindiki is from Tharaka Nithi County in Mt Kenya East while his predecessor--Mr Gachagua--is from Nyeri County in Mt Kenya West.