Mt Kenya East leaders back DP Kindiki as region's 2032 presidential pathway

Speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) polling centre leaders' meeting at Kinoru Stadium on Friday, the leaders said the party would remain the ruling coalition and called on Mount Kenya West to reciprocate the political support the eastern bloc has extended to the region over the years.

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said the region had backed leaders from Mount Kenya West through both the presidency and the deputy presidency, and it was now time for the favour to be returned.

"We are not children of a stepmother; Mount Kenya is one. Over the years, we have supported our brothers from the west in leadership, from the deputy presidency to the presidency. Now it is time for them to return the favour and support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. That is not too much to ask for," Mutuma said.

He cited healthcare, roads, affordable housing and agriculture projects as reasons Meru would continue backing the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki argued that Kenya's political history favoured deputy presidents succeeding their bosses.

"History shows that you can become president if you have served as deputy president. We are almost there, and we should support the deputy president until he becomes president," Njuki said, urging voters to retain the Ruto-Kindiki administration for a second term and allow the pair to serve a full ten years.

"There is no difference between President William Ruto and DP Kindiki; they are joined at the hip. Why would you want them to serve for only five years?" he posed.

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo went further, predicting that Kindiki would become Kenya's sixth president after the 2027 election.

"I have no doubt that after 2027, the next, sixth president of the Republic of Kenya will be Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki," Guyo said, pointing to the construction of the Nithi Bridge and a planned Level Six hospital in Meru as evidence of development under the current administration.

Tigania West MP John Mutunga set a target of one million votes for the government in Meru County, urging residents to protect ongoing projects by backing the administration at the ballot.

Chuka Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene credited Kindiki with championing projects outlined in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.

Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi said residents would not abandon UDA for emerging political outfits.

"The people of Meru are not stupid. We formed this government, we voted for it, and we cannot now be told to leave UDA, the party we formed and voted for, and go and form another government whose owners we do not know," he said.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire accused leaders from other parts of Mount Kenya of disrespecting Kindiki, noting that the region had previously backed Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

"For 37 years, we, the people of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu, have supported you. This time round, they should support our son, Professor Kithure Kindiki," she said.

Former Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo called for unity behind the deputy president.

"For the first time, east of this mountain, we will get a president of the Republic of Kenya," he said.