Mt Kenya elders endorse Kindiki as spokesperson

Muyoti banks on Leopards knowledge to plot Ingwe downfall Football

Adhiambo set for Lionesses return in Africa Sevens redemption bid Rugby

A section of Mount Kenya elders have endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to serve as the region’s spokesperson and representative in advancing its interests and aspirations.

The elders made the declaration on Saturday during a gathering at the historic Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu, where several organisations representing communities from the Mount Kenya region came together.

In a three-page declaration, the elders said they were committed to preserving unity among the Agikuyu, Ameru, Aembu and Ambeere communities.

“We hereby reaffirm our unwavering commitment to preserving, strengthening and advancing this unity for the present generation and for generations to come,” they said.

The declaration was signed by representatives of Kiama Kia Ma, Kikuyu Council of Elders, Njuri Ncheke, Kiama Kia Muembu, Ngome and Ngangi Ndiriri.

The elders said the region had historically worked together and supported successive national leaders since independence.

They cited former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the current deputy president.

“Our son, Kithure Kindiki, the Deputy President, whom we currently support,” the elders said in the declaration.

They also expressed appreciation for what they described as development efforts by President William Ruto and his deputy in the Mount Kenya region.

The elders pointed to investments in infrastructure and agriculture, with specific reference to the coffee, dairy and tea sectors.

“We appreciate the efforts of H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki in advancing development within the Mount Kenya Region,” they said.

The elders further declared their support for the two leaders’ efforts to promote peace, development and economic growth.

Kindiki was given particular recognition in the declaration as a leader from the region serving as Deputy President.

The elders described him as “the bearer of our region’s political aspirations” and reaffirmed their support for him.

They also urged communities in the region to participate in peaceful political activities.

“In the best interests of Mount Kenya Region, our respective ethnic communities are advised to embrace and participate in peaceful political activities,” they said.

The elders further called on residents to afford Ruto and Kindiki “a conducive and enabling political environment”, saying this would help secure Kenya’s long-term national interests.

They subsequently endorsed Kindiki to represent the region’s interests and aspirations.

“We hereby endorse and mandate Kithure Kindiki to serve as our spokesperson and representative in advancing the interests and aspirations of the Mount Kenya Region,” they declared.

The elders said their role extended beyond political leadership to community wisdom, mediation, peace-building and reconciliation.

They warned that political divisions, stereotyping and ethnic divisions could undermine social cohesion, economic wellbeing and the future prosperity of the region.

The gathering brought together elders from different Mount Kenya communities, who said they were acting as custodians of the region’s long-term interests and peaceful political participation.