Who speaks for Mt Kenya? Kindiki endorsement exposes region’s political fault lines

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's endorsement as the spokesman for the Mt Kenya region has sparked a political debate over the region's leadership. Ndia MP George Kariuki and his counterpart from Juja, George Koimburi, have both challenged the process and the political message that emerged from the Kirigiti meeting. Kindiki's endorsement took place on September 19, 2026, during a gathering of elders at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County.

However, within hours of the endorsement, Kariuki and Koimburi mounted a spirited challenge, arguing that the region's political direction cannot be determined without the involvement of elected leaders and residents. The MPs expressed concerns that a single meeting could not confer a regional mandate on an individual without wider consultations with the people and their elected representatives.

Kariuki questioned the decision to hold the meeting without broader participation by leaders from across the region, emphasizing that leadership should be built by sitting with the people and listening to their concerns. Koimburi focused his criticism on the lack of consultation between Kindiki and elected leaders, highlighting that MPs should be involved in high-level political engagements in their constituencies.

Both MPs stressed the importance of communication and consultation between elected leaders and the people they represent. The controversy over Kindiki's endorsement also raised questions about the traditional basis of his endorsement and the process for selecting a representative for the region in upcoming negotiations.