On Friday, August 7, 2026, thousands of elders from the Njuri Ncheke Council, representing Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, crowned Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the political leader of the Mt Kenya region.
During a vibrant ceremony attended by numerous political figures, the elders presented Prof. Kindiki with traditional symbols of authority, including a spear, sword, and ceremonial attire. This gesture symbolized their endorsement, empowering him to represent the interests of the mountain.
The elders reaffirmed their commitment to support President William Ruto’s re-election campaign in 2027, urging him to retain Prof. Kindiki as his running mate to secure the region’s backing.
Josphat Murangiri, the Njuri Ncheke Secretary-General, emphasized the council’s unanimous decision to stand firmly behind the Deputy President, asserting that anyone wishing to engage politically with the Mt Kenya region must go through Prof. Kindiki.
“We stand united as the people of Mt Kenya East. Today, we bless you to lead our region, and anyone who wishes to speak for Mt Kenya must consult you,” Murangiri stated.
He further expressed the council’s support for President Ruto’s re-election while cautioning against any attempts to replace Prof. Kindiki as Deputy President.
“As the people of Mt Kenya, we are firmly backing President Ruto for a second term, but we ask him to retain Kindiki as his deputy if he wishes to continue enjoying our support,” he added.
Regarding the 2027 Deputy President position, the elders dismissed speculation, stating that the office is currently held and should not be a topic of political rivalry.
Murangiri questioned the motives of other political leaders expressing interest in the position, highlighting that the Ameru community has previously supported Deputy Presidents from other regions without objection.
Looking to expand their influence, he announced plans to engage with elders from the Isiolo, Samburu, Maasai, and Kikuyu communities to build broader support for President Ruto and Prof. Kindiki ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Receiving the traditional honors, an emotional Prof. Kindiki expressed gratitude to the elders for their trust and committed to uniting the entire Mt Kenya region.
He urged the region to set aside political differences and present a united front to enhance its bargaining power within the government.
“The elders have agreed that we must move forward together for the common good of our people. We also stand resolved to support President Ruto to ensure our region continues benefiting from national development programs,” he declared.
The Deputy President extended an olive branch to opposition leaders, particularly those from Mt Kenya West, expressing a desire for peaceful coexistence.
“I do not wish to engage in conflict with my brothers from the western side of the mountain. I envision a peaceful collaboration as we approach 2027 and beyond,” he affirmed.
Addressing his relationship with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prof. Kindiki clarified that he held no personal grievances and merely stepped into office after a vacancy arose.
“My brother Rigathi Gachagua, during your tenure as Deputy President, I respected and supported you. Now that I have the opportunity to serve, let us honor one another. I don’t ask you to join the government, but to pursue your political ambitions peacefully, without hostility,” Kindiki urged.
He also conveyed his willingness to forgive critics and called for reconciliation among political leaders in the region.
“I will seek out my brothers in the opposition because after elections, we remain one community. Let’s move past hatred and work together,” he said.
Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who read the Njuri Ncheke declaration, affirmed the council’s support for President Ruto’s re-election and Prof. Kindiki’s continued role as Deputy President until 2032.
He dismissed claims of division within the Mt Kenya region, asserting that Njuri Ncheke embodies unity across the mountain.
“Despite discussions of splitting the mountain, Njuri Ncheke stands united. We have always been one community with our brothers in Mt Kenya West, and we intend to stay united,” Kiraitu stated.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma emphasized the commitment of leaders from Mt Kenya East to defend the Deputy President’s position, asserting its current occupancy.
He called on leaders from Mt Kenya West to rally behind Kindiki and rejected suggestions that other political parties should claim the position.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi urged political leaders, including former Governor Peter Munya, former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Justin Muturi, and Lenny Kivuti, to unite behind Prof. Kindiki as the next General Election approaches.
“We must speak with one voice to forge a strong political force that enhances our bargaining power. Unity is our path forward,” he stated.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, and Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima Gushine echoed the elders’ declaration, expressing confidence that President Ruto would retain Prof. Kindiki as his running mate in 2027.
The leaders argued that supporting President Ruto’s re-election would bolster the region’s prospects of producing a presidential candidate in 2032, urging residents to maintain unity and avoid divisive politics.
