CS Ruku symbolically hands back axe to Mt Kenya elders, abandons clamour for splitting mountain

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is convening a meeting with the Mt Kenya West elders at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County, marking his first encounter with the region's elders. The event, held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, was attended by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku. The ceremony, witnessed by hundreds of elders dressed in traditional attire and singing traditional songs, featured Kindiki being adorned with regalia by the elders, signifying their blessing for him to represent the mountain region.

This meeting follows a similar event in Mt Kenya East Elders’ Solemn Assembly in Nembure, Embu County, where Kindiki had also interacted with the elders. The Njuri Ncheke secretary-general, Josphat Murangiri, revealed that the council unanimously decided to support Kindiki and President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, urging him to remain as the Deputy President for a second term.

The elders emphasized that anyone seeking to engage with the Mt Kenya region politically should approach Kindiki, asserting their commitment to backing President Ruto and maintaining their support for Kindiki.