Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has met elders from Mt Kenya West as efforts to bring together the eastern and western sides of the region gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meeting is part of wider consultations aimed at finding common ground and developing a shared political and development agenda for the wider Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki, who comes from Tharaka Nithi, has increasingly featured in discussions about the region’s political future. In August, elders from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga and Isiolo backed his continued role as President William Ruto’s deputy and supported his future political ambitions.
The elders also agreed to engage their counterparts from Mt Kenya West in an effort to build a common position on the region’s interests.
The latest meeting comes after growing debate over whether Mt Kenya should maintain a united political position or develop separate approaches for the eastern and western blocs.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has been among those calling for a stronger political identity for Mt Kenya East. He has argued that the eastern side has supported leaders from Mt Kenya West in previous administrations without receiving a corresponding share of development.
Kindiki has, however, called for unity rather than division. He has urged leaders and elders from across the region to set aside political differences and work together.
The discussions are taking place as political parties and leaders prepare for the 2027 elections, making the question of Mt Kenya’s political direction an increasingly prominent issue.