Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims of divisions within the Mt Kenya region, saying the community remains united despite heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an engagement with leaders and residents, Prof Kindiki said no individual or political formation would succeed in splitting the vote-rich region, which has become the focus of intense political competition following the fallout between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
"We, the people of the Mt Kenya region, have achieved a lot together, and we have a long history. There is nothing that can divide us," Kindiki said.
He added:"Those who think they will create divisions should relax and be told that the Deputy President is a fireman, and will ensure that our entire community moves forward together."
The Deputy President urged residents to reject political rhetoric that he said was intended to pit communities and leaders against one another.
"Our strength has always been our unity. We have overcome many challenges because we have stood together, and we will continue to move forward as one people," he said.
Kindiki said the government's priority was delivering development rather than engaging in political contests.
"We were elected to transform the lives of Kenyans through development. Our focus is on roads, water, markets, affordable housing, electricity and creating opportunities for young people—not endless politics."
His remarks come as political temperatures continue to rise in the region, with Gachagua intensifying his criticism of President Ruto's administration while seeking to consolidate support across Mt Kenya ahead of the next General Election.
Since his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua has positioned himself as the region's leading opposition figure, holding regular political consultations at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County and calling for a united front against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kindiki, who was appointed Deputy President following Gachagua's removal from office, has responded with frequent development tours across the region, maintaining that leaders should focus on improving livelihoods instead of engaging in divisive politics.
"We have no time for hatred or division. We have work to do, and that work is to improve the lives of our people," he said.
He also appealed to elected leaders to work together regardless of their political affiliations.
"I want to assure the people of Mt Kenya that this government belongs to all of us. We will continue working with every leader who is committed to serving wananchi."
Political analysts say the contest for influence in Mt Kenya is likely to shape the country's political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with both Kindiki and Gachagua seeking to emerge as the region's dominant political voice.
Kindiki insisted that the government would not be distracted by political attacks.
"We shall not answer insults with insults. We shall answer politics with development and service delivery."
He concluded by calling on residents to remain united.
"Let nobody deceive you that there is a section of our people that will be left behind. Every part of Mt Kenya will benefit from government programmes because we are one family."
The Deputy President's remarks come amid sustained efforts by President Ruto's allies to reassure Mt Kenya residents that the region remains central to the Kenya Kwanza administration, even as opposition leaders intensify campaigns to win over the vote-rich region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
