Building on late 2025 calls for Mt Kenya East to break from the West, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki held 15 meetings across the region from March 1 to April 27, 2026, challenging Rigathi Gachagua's influence. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku envisions a new bloc led by Kindiki, but faces local pushback.
In a continuation of the Mt Kenya East push for political independence—first signaled in December 2025 by leaders like Geoffrey Ruku and Cecily Mbarire—Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has intensified efforts, holding 15 meetings in 58 days from March 1 to April 27, 2026. This campaign aims to eclipse Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's popularity as East leaders seek to form a distinct bloc.
Ruku, who previously advocated splitting to protect East's interests (Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, and parts of Kirinyaga, totaling 1.5 million votes), positions Kindiki as its leader, separate from the traditional Mt Kenya West dominance.
Opposition persists: Manyatta MP Mukunji Gitonga claims 80% of East residents reject the split.
Kindiki's momentum peaked on Sunday with a rally in Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi, where President William Ruto praised him as 'clever, hardworking, and easy to work with.'
Political analyst Malila Munywoki urges Kindiki to unite all of Mt Kenya and challenge Gachagua directly in Western counties to solidify support ahead of 2027.