Embu elders reject Nembure meeting that installed Kindiki as Mt Kenya East spokesman

The official Embu Council of Elders, or Nyagi ya Ndiriri, has declined to recognize a recent gathering at Nembure Stadium that appointed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the political spokesman for the region. Council chairman Andrew Ireri stated on Friday, August 22, 2026, that the attendees were not legitimate members of the council and thus lacked the authority to make political decisions or represent the Embu community.

Ireri accused the organizers of dishonesty, alleging that some participants were paid small sums of public money to attend the meeting. He dismissed the event as an attempt to mislead the public and stressed that the mountain of Mt. Kenya is one and united, rejecting the divisions into Mt. Kenya East and West. Ireri also questioned the choice of Nembure Stadium as the venue, emphasizing its cultural significance and proposing its use for addressing real issues affecting local residents.

The controversy arises as political leadership in the Mt. Kenya region is under intense discussion ahead of the 2027 General Election. While certain leaders advocate for Kindiki as a unifying figure, the council insists that no elders can appoint a spokesperson without extensive consultation. Ireri further dismissed the idea of splitting political leadership into East and West factions, warning that such a move could exacerbate community divisions.

He affirmed that true elders have a duty to safeguard the community’s culture, unity, and well-being rather than serving as political pawns. This development follows Kindiki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku's attendance at the Mt. Kenya East Elders’ Solemn Assembly in Nembure the previous day, where hundreds of elders arrived in traditional attire and sang songs.