Ndia MP George Kariuki addressing a delegation from Ruiru at his Gacharu residence in Kirinyaga county on August 17, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERANdia MP George Kariuki has said both former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, should not lead the Mt Kenya region.
Kariuki said both leaders have been given an opportunity to prove their leadership abilities but have instead disappointed the region, as their political rivalry continues to deepen ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Neither Gachagua nor Kindiki has the ability, in my opinion, to run the affairs of this region the right way. I don't see it in any of them. I think both have had an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity, and they have greatly disappointed our community,” Kariuki said.
Speaking at Gacharu in Ndia on Monday, the MP criticised the growing politics of insults and confrontation, saying Mt Kenya should not choose its leaders based on who is louder or more aggressive in attacking opponents.
He invoked former President Mwai Kibaki's leadership style, saying the late president demonstrated that leadership is about tolerance, restraint and bringing people together rather than pulling others down.
“Kibaki showed us that leadership is not about blowing your own trumpet, insulting others, or putting out someone else’s candle so that yours can shine. Leadership is about tolerance, not making too much noise."
Kariuki said leaders should avoid allowing emotions to dictate political decisions, warning that the region risks losing its political bargaining power if it allows divisions and personality clashes to take centre stage.
His remarks came amid a fresh war of words between Gachagua and Kindiki, who traded accusations on Sunday.
Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of attempting to weaken and divide the Mt Kenya region while questioning Kindiki's influence and ability to unite the community.
Kindiki, on his part, hit back at Gachagua, accusing him of pursuing divisive politics and seeking to dictate the region's political choices. The Deputy President maintained that Mt Kenya should focus on development and unity rather than political confrontation.
Kariuki, who has positioned himself as an alternative voice in the region, presented his call for unity and development as an alternative to the rivalry between Gachagua and Kindiki.
He said the region should start thinking about where it wants to position itself when the next government is formed, arguing that it should not wait to be allocated positions after other communities have negotiated their interests.
“We are almost at the end of this government's term. When the next government is formed in the next 11 or 12 months, where will we be? We do not want to be outside government. We want to be part of forming the government and negotiate for our place in it,” he said.
Kariuki said a divided region would have little influence at the national negotiating table, while a united Mt Kenya could bargain for a stronger position in the next administration.
He also opposed efforts to split the region into competing blocs, saying residents have rejected attempts to separate them from one another.
The MP singled out Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, accusing him of being used to advance what he described as a divisive agenda in the region.
“Those who are sending Ruku to split Mt Kenya, tell him to stop that narrative. Our people have rejected being divided. We want one region, one people and one nation,” Kariuki said.
Kariuki was speaking while hosting a delegation from Ruiru led by MP Simon King'ara and
The MP said Mt Kenya should seek leadership that brings people together and is modelled after Kibaki's style, rather than one driven by anger, insults and personality clashes.
