Cracks have deepened in Mt Kenya as some political bigwigs led by Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua convene a “revolutionary” Limuru III conference on Friday.
The event has sparked controversy as jostling for the 2027 presidential contest begins.
In what confirms divisions even within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has signalled his intention to attend.
But UDA stalwarts led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have dismissed the meeting as a scheme to divide the community.
Kuria on Tuesday shared a poster of the meeting on his WhatsApp status and stated he will be a key speaker at the forum. According to the poster , he will be sharing on the “economic pathways for Mt Kenya region.”
Other politicians attending include former Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni, former Laikipia boss Nderitu Murithi, Kikuyu elders and former Jubilee lawmakers as well as influential businessmen from the region.
The conference brings together at least 10 political parties operating within the vast Mt Kenya area.
Unconfirmed reports indicate the much-publicised meeting has the blessings of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Key President William Ruto allies are opposed to the meeting, claiming it is meant not only to discredit the President but also to set the stage for 2027 politics.
Deputy President Gachagua and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah have dismissed the meeting as inconsequential.
The DP said the organisers should abandon the idea and instead approach his office for solutions to their concerns.
The second-in-command added that his door is open for candid discussions, including issues that they feel are not going well, assuring that through him there was an avenue for Mt Kenya leaders to listen to each other.
“The President says a good idea gives way to a better idea. Let my sister Martha Karua, let Jeremiah Kioni instead of coming to disturb the people of Limuru when we are having floods and many other challenges, come we have an office,” Gachagua said.
"Limuru III talk belongs to the past. Ethnic bigotry has no place in our nation's future. Let's bury ethnic divisive politics and build a united, inclusive nation,” Ichung’wah said.
Karua and Kioni have however vowed to remain steadfast in their determination to proceed with the Limuru III conference despite the mounting opposition.
Speaking on Wednesday, Kioni said the meeting is the last resort for Central region that has found itself outside both the government and the opposition.
“We are not able to feature in Azimio and the other side are not visible in government. We are not in both government and opposition," Kioni said during Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting.
"We are actually inviting ourselves to Limuru III to chat a way forward.” Both Karua and Kioni have been in the past linked to plans to exit Azimio.
“What has informed this meeting is that our voice is lost – a region with eight million votes, we meet this Friday. We don’t have hope, our revolution is starting on Friday.”
The conference, according to the Kioni, will bring together over 31 political parties from the Mt Kenya region to discuss issues that afflict the community.
“The meeting is organised by party political parties, some which are members of Azimio and others are not. We have come to the realisation there is no hope, we only have to push back,” the former Ndaragwa MP said.
Ex-Laikipia Governor Muriithi emphasised that the meeting is open to all individuals to discuss a wide range of topics including agriculture, economy and politics.
"Mt Kenya region has an economy bigger than 33 African states and as a region, we have decided to come together to chart a way forward," he said.
He said the meeting has no invitation and is open to Mt Kenya people at Limuru Jumuiya Conference Centre so that everybody can have a say on different matters that will be discussed.
Set against the backdrop of declining business fortunes and perceived punitive taxation, the conference aims to devise a 'push back strategy' against government policies deemed unfavourable to the Mount Kenya electorate.
The preparatory phase for the event has seen the Karua-led team engaging in extensive consultations and holding meetings at Fiesta hotel in Ruaka.
On Tuesday, Karua and Kioni secured the endorsement of the Kikuyu Council of Elders where they were urged not to bow to pressure from external forces.
The team will meet with representatives of 10 political parties that have so far shown interest as well as business magnates from the region as they make final touches ahead of the Friday meeting.
Juja MP George Koimburi while dismissing the planned meeting insisted that the conference has nothing to do with uniting the region but rather a platform for certain Azimio leaders to bolster their political position.
"The purported Limuru III conference has nothing to unite but to divide the Mount Kenya community. Laws aren’t made in conferences but in parliament," he said.
"Karua and Kioni should have invited the existing leadership of Mount Kenya region, which is Rigathi Gachagua. And since they haven’t invited him as the senior-most politician, we will ignore them."
Koimburi suggested that Gachagua should be the one to convene such meetings.
The conference comes barely a month after the Deputy President publicly sought forgiveness from former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, expressing remorse for involving her in political discussions.
Organisers have welcomed the DP and ex-President Uhuru Kenya to attend the event as it open for everyone in the region.
In a past interview, Karua noted that the conference aims to provide a platform for dialogue on pressing issues affecting the Mount Kenya region.
She said the Limuru meeting would provide a platform to discuss various socio-political issues affecting the community, emphasising the constitutional right of people with common interests to convene.
Karua articulated the necessity for political cohesion to confront shared challenges and advocate for the region's interests effectively.
Isaiah Gichu, national chairman of Party of Democratic Unity, said the Limuru III conference is a crucial step towards fostering unity and collaboration among Mount Kenya leaders.
He said in the face of mounting challenges, including economic downturns and marginalisation, the region's leaders must set aside differences and work towards a common agenda.