Leaders from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo counties
have declared that Mt Kenya East will seek the presidency in 2032, with Deputy
President Kithure Kindiki emerging as their preferred candidate even as they
mobilise support for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
The leaders, speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
polling centre leaders’ meeting at Kinoru Stadium on Friday, said UDA would
remain the ruling party and demanded that Mt Kenya West reciprocate the
political support it has received from the region over the years.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said the region had supported
leaders from Mt Kenya West, from the presidency to the deputy presidency, and
that it was now time for the favour to be returned.
“We are not children of a stepmother; Mt Kenya is one. Over
the years, we have supported our brothers from the west in leadership, from the
Deputy Presidency to the Presidency. Now, it is time for them to return the
favour and support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. That is not too much to
ask for,” Mutuma said.
The governor cited projects in healthcare, roads, affordable
housing and agriculture as some of the reasons Meru would continue supporting
the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki said Kenya’s
political history supported the argument that deputy presidents have a strong
advantage in succeeding their bosses.
“History shows that you can become President if you have
served as Deputy President. We are almost there, and we should support the
Deputy President until he becomes President,” Njuki said.
He urged voters to retain the Ruto-Kindiki administration
for a second term, arguing that the two leaders should be allowed to serve for
10 years.
“There is no difference between President William Ruto and
DP Kindiki; they are joined at the hip. Why would you want them to serve for
only five years?” he said.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo joined the succession campaign,
declaring that Kindiki would become Kenya’s sixth president after the
2027 election.
“I have no doubt that after 2027, the next, sixth President
of the Republic of Kenya will be Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki,” Guyo
said.
He cited the construction of the Nithi Bridge and the
planned Level Six hospital in Meru as evidence of development under the Ruto
administration.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga set a target of one million
votes for the Government in Meru County, saying residents should protect
ongoing projects by supporting the administration.
Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene credited Kindiki
with championing projects contained in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi said
residents would not abandon UDA for emerging political formations.
“The people of Meru are not stupid. We formed this
government, we voted for it, and we cannot now be told to leave UDA, the party
we formed and voted for, and go and form another government whose owners we do
not know,” he said.
Governor Cecily Mbarire accused leaders from other parts of Kenya of disrespecting Kindiki and said Meru had supported Jomo
Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
“For 37 years, we, the people of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and
Embu, have supported you. This time round, they should support our son,
Professor Kithure Kindiki,” she said.
Former Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo said the region should
remain united behind the Deputy President.
“For the first time, East of this mountain, we will get a
President of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
