DCP rubbishes endorsement of Kindiki as Mt Kenya kingpin

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has dismissed the endorsement of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the Mt Kenya region's kingpin, saying political leadership is determined by the people rather than elders’ endorsement.

The party, however, welcomed the resolution by Mt. Kenya elders at Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu to unite the region, saying the move responds to calls by residents opposed to attempts to divide the mountain along political or regional lines.

The leaders, led by DCP Secretary-General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, did not mince their words in mocking and dismissing Saturday’s coronation ceremony, declaring that they reject the Kindiki’s endorsement.

“This community had leaders like Dedan Kimathi we did not see elders sitting him down like an elder,” said Senator Methu.

Speaking at Ambassadors Christian Church in Kianjokoma in Embu County, the leaders said the question of who becomes the Mt.Kenya political kingpin should ultimately be determined by the residents.

“Kingpin wananchi wanaamua na sa hii ukiuliza watu watasema kingpin wao ni Gachagua..Kingpin sio kitu ya kuskuma,” Senator Methu added.

The leaders while rejecting the Kirigiti declaration said Kindiki did not meet what they described as the threshold required to become the region's political kingpin, arguing that, Kindiki lacked sufficient experience in Mt Kenya politics.

“Wamefail kuunganisha mlima sasa unaona ata wakati akivalishwa kofia ilianguka,” MP Gitonga Mukunji said.

Methu questioned the decision by the Public Service Geoffrey Ruku Cabinet Secretary (CS) to return the symbolic axe, which had been associated with the debate over dividing the Mt Kenya region.

They argued that the elders had not originally handed the axe to political leaders and therefore should not have been the ones to receive it back.