Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire was noticeably absent from a crucial meeting held at State House, Nairobi, where President William Ruto had summoned all governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries for a high-level engagement.
Her absence has raised serious questions about growing internal friction within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, where she serves as the national chairperson.
The State House meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was meant to review development progress from both county governments and national ministries. President Ruto had invited governors from across the country, making Mbarire’s no-show even more striking considering her dual role as both a county boss and a top party official.
Mbarire was also absent from a separate event earlier in the day — the Macadamia Conference in Embu — which was graced by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Her absence at both major functions on the same day raised eyebrows and triggered speculation of political disagreements behind the scenes.
In a move aimed at dispelling concerns, CS Kindiki addressed the issue during the Macadamia Conference. While speaking to local leaders and residents, Kindiki downplayed any political fallout, stating that Governor Mbarire was preparing to attend the president’s State House meeting.
“To show that there’s no bad blood, I bring greetings from my sister, Governor Cecily Mbarire. She couldn’t join us because she had been summoned to a 2 pm meeting at State House on livestock vaccination. She couldn’t be in both places at once,” Kindiki explained.
However, investigations by Kenyans.co.ke showed that Mbarire did not attend the State House meeting either, despite Kindiki’s assurance. Multiple images and videos shared online from the presidential event did not show any sign of her presence.
Other governors and officials were seen sharing updates and photos from the meeting on social media, but Mbarire remained completely silent, neither attending nor commenting publicly.
This silence, paired with her back-to-back absences, has deepened suspicion that a rift may be growing between Mbarire and the top leadership of the UDA party. Many observers see it as more than just a scheduling issue.
The situation is further complicated by recent remarks Mbarire made during the Madaraka Day celebrations held on June 1 at Makima Primary School in Mbeere. During her speech, she accused certain government officials — whom she did not name — of holding secret political meetings at night without involving her.
“These government officials have no respect for me, and I will not allow them to continue undermining my authority. I won’t just sit and watch while private political agreements are being made behind my back,” Mbarire declared, receiving loud support from the crowd.
Adding another layer to the drama, CS Kindiki confirmed that earlier that same Wednesday morning, before both major meetings, he had hosted a private session at his Karen home with Mbarire and Embu County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi.
The purpose of that meeting was to review national government projects and discuss strategies to protect and boost key agricultural value chains in Embu County, including tea, coffee, macadamia, and muguka.
Despite this early morning engagement, Mbarire’s continued absence from two critical public events later that day has sparked serious concern among political observers and her constituents.
Many now wonder whether the cracks within UDA’s leadership are wider than previously thought, and if Mbarire is being sidelined in key decisions affecting her county and party role.
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