Mt Kenya Governors Criticize DP Kindiki for Neglecting the Region
Two governors from the Mount Kenya region have openly criticized Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accusing him of sidelining the region in favor of national priorities.
Speaking at a public event over the weekend, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki expressed frustration over Kindiki’s approach, urging him to prioritize unity within the region instead of focusing solely on the broader national agenda.
Governor Kahiga did not mince words, calling on Kindiki to stop being overly cautious and to reconnect with his political base in the mountain region.
“Muthomi Njuki, tell Kindiki to stop being afraid. He hasn’t even visited home because he fears being impeached. Did Rigathi Gachagua die after he was impeached?” Kahiga remarked sarcastically.
Kahiga further argued that Kindiki’s reluctance to engage with Mount Kenya leaders stems from pressure to maintain a national outlook.
“He has avoided coming home because he has been told to focus on uniting Kenyans. But how can you unite Kenya when your own house is divided?” he asked.
In a direct message to the deputy president, Kahiga urged him to shed any fears of political backlash and visit the region confidently.
“Kindiki needs to come here with his head held high and show us he is not afraid. Leadership starts at home.”
Governor Njuki echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Tharaka Nithi, Kindiki’s home county, had yet to see meaningful development despite having one of their own as the deputy president.
“We are proud to have produced a Deputy President, but pride alone does not build roads or schools. We want the promises made during the campaigns to be fulfilled,” Njuki stated.
Kindiki’s Approach Under Scrutiny
Since taking office in October last year, Kindiki has faced mixed reactions from the Mount Kenya region.
While some leaders have supported his national agenda, others remain loyal to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached amid allegations of favoritism toward the mountain region.
Unlike Gachagua, who was vocal about protecting Mount Kenya’s interests, Kindiki has maintained a low profile in the region.
During his rare visits, such as a recent trip to Embu, Kindiki emphasized his commitment to uniting Kenyans and advancing the government’s development agenda across the country.
In Embu, Kindiki dismissed critics accusing him of neglecting the region, stating, “The people questioning our efforts for Embu, the region, and the country will also have their chance to explain what they achieved during their time in office.”
However, this stance has not sat well with some Mount Kenya leaders, who feel that Kindiki is overly cautious to avoid the fate of his predecessor.
Governor Kahiga argued that Gachagua’s impeachment, largely attributed to his perceived bias toward the mountain region, has made Kindiki hesitant to champion the region’s interests.
Growing Demands for Regional Prioritization
Mount Kenya leaders are now calling on Kindiki to strike a balance between his national responsibilities and his home region’s development needs.
They argue that while unity and national progress are important, the mountain region deserves to see tangible benefits as part of the government’s agenda.
The criticism highlights growing tensions within the region’s leadership, with expectations mounting for Kindiki to deliver on campaign promises and prove his commitment to Mount Kenya’s progress.
As pressure builds, all eyes will be on how the deputy president navigates these demands while maintaining his broader mandate.
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