Mt Kenya East Leaders threaten political split, cite marginalization in united Mt Kenya bloc

The leaders stated that Mt Kenya East must chart its own political destiny and break away from narratives and political agendas that do not align with the region’s development priorities and interests.

Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya Kangaru in Manyatta constituency, Embu County Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku urged residents to ignore calls by certain leaders to turn against President William Ruto and his administration.

Ruku warned of what he described as a well-organized and coordinated scheme aimed at inciting Mt Kenya residents to hate the President, alleging that the plan is being orchestrated by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

He said Mt Kenya East has long suffered under what he termed the “Mt Kenya basket agenda,” where the region’s concerns are lumped together with broader Mt Kenya politics, often to its disadvantage.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be consumed in a political pocket moving forward. Mt Kenya East must stand firm and protect its own political and economic interests,” Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary urged Gachagua to stop dragging Mt Kenya East into what he described as divisive and destructive politics, insisting that the region will pursue an independent political path separate from the larger Mt Kenya voting bloc.

Ruku emphasized that Mt Kenya East has capable national leadership, citing Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as evidence that the region can shape its future without external political influence.

In a sharp attack, Ruku described Gachagua as a “lord of division,” accusing him of promoting politics of hatred and ethnic polarization.

“We will divide the Mountain if we must. Mt Kenya East will stand alone. The East will have its own title deed,” Ruku declared.

Defending the Kenya Kwanza administration, Ruku said coffee and tea prices have improved following direct interventions by President William Ruto, leading to better livelihoods for farmers in the region.

He further claimed that Gachagua was removed from government due to incompetence and lacks the capacity to rally leaders or communities behind what he termed a personal political agenda.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire echoed Ruku’s sentiments, stating that Mt Kenya East would not hesitate to chart its own political course if provoked.

“I want to echo the words of CS Ruku. If need be, as Mt Kenya East, we shall chart our own political path moving forward. We will not be dragged into politics that do not serve our people,” Mbarire said.