DP Kindiki between a rock and a hard place in Mt Kenya

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on November 8, 2024 /DPCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place as he attempts to consolidate political support in the Mt Kenya region.

This comes ahead of an impending parliamentary by-election in Mbeere North, expected to serve as a litmus test for his influence in the increasingly restive region.

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Kindiki, a close ally of President William Ruto, is working to rally the region behind the head of state, but faces mounting resistance from his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who has been steadily positioning himself as Mt Kenya’s de facto political kingpin.

Several local leaders and residents are reportedly aligning themselves with Gachagua, leaving Kindiki and a few Ruto loyalists politically isolated.

Gachagua fell out with President Ruto after his impeachment late last year and has since launched a fiery campaign against the President, branding him an enemy of the region and vowing to ensure he serves only a single term in office.

Acknowledging the difficult terrain ahead, Kindiki on Saturday urged the people of Mbeere North to back the UDA candidate in the forthcoming by-election.

The seat became vacant after former MP Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, succeeding Justin Muturi, who also hailed from the constituency.

“The President, Ruku and I have decided not to interfere. We will let the community choose who will be their MP,” Kindiki told residents during a campaign rally.

He underscored the high political stakes, cautioning that a loss for UDA would weaken both his influence in government and the region’s standing nationally.

“Please don’t let us down. Don’t let down the President. Don’t let me down — I’m your neighbour here. If you let me down, where will I pass? Even in Nairobi, do you think there will be respect? It will be difficult,” he said.

“If you want us to continue, help me so we are respected — because this is home.”

Kindiki pledged to personally camp in Mbeere North once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission sets the by-election date.

“I will camp in Mbeere until UDA wins. The government has given this region a Cabinet position. The people of Mbeere should reciprocate by voting for a government-backed candidate,” he added.

So far, eight aspirants have declared interest in the UDA ticket.

Kindiki assured voters that nominations will be transparent and inclusive, adding that those who fail to secure the party’s endorsement will still be accommodated within government.

“All eight aspirants will go through a fair nomination process. We urge them to support the winner for party unity. Those who don’t win will still have a role in government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gachagua is reportedly finalising plans to launch a new political party later this month and is expected to field a candidate in the Mbeere race—potentially setting the stage for a bruising showdown with the ruling party.

In a surprising twist, Kindiki took a public swipe at Ruku, accusing him of inciting residents rather than defending government efforts.

“You cannot be a minister and come here to incite, lament and complain. If you want to complain, leave. If you can’t defend the people and the government, step aside,” Kindiki said.

Ruku had earlier appealed to the government to prioritise the tarmacking of a key road that has long been a thorn in the flesh of residents.

“Respect the flag, defend the government, and explain to Kenyans what the administration is doing. For everything that hasn’t been done, push for its implementation — that’s why you are in government,” Kindiki said.

In response, Ruku reaffirmed the region’s support for the UDA candidate and emphasised the government's ongoing development agenda in Mbeere.

“The elders are united and have spoken in one voice. The government has launched several transformative projects in Mbeere, and we intend to remain part of this administration,” Ruku said.