Mt. Kenya Elders endorse DP Kindiki as the region’s spokesman, vow to protect their unity

The elders also declared not to allow any leader to divide the region, resolving to ensure lasting unity among their communities. 

In a historic declaration at the revered Kirigiti Grounds in Kiambu County on Saturday attended by the Deputy President and senior leaders from the region, the elders from the Kikuyu, Embu, Mbeere and Meru communities vowed to protect the region from any attempts to split it in favour of political interests. 

“The people of Mount Kenya Region have historically worked together in unity and solidarity. We hereby reaffirm our unwavering commitment to preserving, strengthening and advancing this unity for the present generation and for generations to come,” they declared. 

During the solemn occasion, Prof. Kindiki was handed the instruments elevating him as the region’s spokesman and tasked with advancing the interests of all the communities in the region without discriminating against anyone.

“We hereby endorse and mandate H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki to serve as our spokesperson and representative in advancing the interests and aspirations of the Mount Kenya Region,” they declared. 

The declaration was read by elders from the Kiama Kia Ma, Kikuyu Council of Elders, Njuri Ncheke, Kiama Kia Muembu, Ngome and Nyangi Ndiriri on behalf of the Kikuyu, Meru, Embu and Mbeere communities respectively. 

In pursuit of unity, they also resolved to support the government and push for the development of the region. 

“We affirm our support to H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki in their efforts to promote peace, development, economic growth and prosperity for our people and for the nation as a whole,” the elders stated. 

In his address following the declaration, the DP thanked the elders for their declaration and endorsement vowing to respect and obey their counsel and instructions in spite of any circumstances.

“I have heard you and I will do so as directed. I will ensure, as the Deputy President of Kenya, that the region gets its rightful share of development. I will, with your counsel and prayers, assist President Ruto to ensure Kenya is united, peaceful and developed,” DP said. 

He added: “I will not let you down. I will not shame you. Like all the previous leaders from the region, I will serve the country and ensure we have the fair share of development we deserve as a region.”

While expressing his sadness over the divisive talk that had prevailed in the region for months with increasing calls to split the Mt. Kenya region into two over differing political engagements, the Second in Command appreciated the efforts by the elders for reining in the situation. 

“I have been saddened for months by the intensifying divisive talk in our region. Our forefathers ensured the unity of our people and we will not be the first ones to break this accord.  They fought together for our independence. They sang Mau Mau redemption songs together”

To preserve this decades-long unity, the DP rallied the people of Mt. Kenya not to allow political affiliations or personal interests to divide them, promising to be in the forefront protecting the region and ensuring it gets deserving development projects. 

“We must be united because we are one people. We must never allow anyone to divide us because we are brothers and sisters doing business together, sharing our cultures and traditions without any issues,” he noted. 

In honour of the decision by the elders, the DP vowed not to abuse the position, linking it to a similar occurrence years back when the nation’s first President Jomo Kenyatta was endorsed for Mt. Kenya and the country’s leadership.

“I consider myself lucky to be here in Kirigiti with our elders. It is here where all the leaders from Agikuyu, Aembu, Mbeere, Meru congregated and endorsed Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and directed him to unite all our communities from Mt Kenya and unite the whole country. I am grateful to be here today. I don’t take it for granted,” DP said. 

In affirmation of the symbolic move, Prof. Kindiki declared that he had forgiven those who have been insulting him, promising not to trade insults with those who have perfected the habit. 

“As advised by the elders, today here in Kirigiti I unconditionally forgive all those who have insulted me. I hold nothing against them. From today I will not respond to any insults,” he promised. 

Differing political interests, DP indicated, should not lead to enmity among the communities in the region making a reference to friendly rivalries between previous leaders in the region. He pointed to non-violent contests between former President Mwai Kibaki and Ford Asili leader Kenneth Matiba in 1992 and Kibaki and his successor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2002. 

“We must stop the habit of misusing our youth to destroy our properties. We are known for our hard work and wealth creation not destruction. This must stop. I request our elders to take the lead to educate our youth not to engage in violent acts because it is against our culture,” DP urged. 

The DP also requested them to lead the way in the fight against illicit drinks in the region.