Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday held talks with elected leaders from Mt Kenya East in a bid to consolidate the region following widening cracks.
There have been growing fears that the larger Mt Kenya region comprising East and West (central) could be headed for a split that could sway the 2027 presidential poll.
The split smarts from recent political developments that have seen key Kenya Kwanza leaders from the region clash publicly over last year's impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua, who was kicked out of office as the country's second in command is spoiling for a fight with his critics in the region.
He has been holding meetings with politicians at his Wamunyoro residence, in Mathira, Nyeri county, which has made his nerve centre ahead of 2027.
In what is seen as part of the elaborate strategy to counter Gachagua, Kindiki convened the meeting with Mount Kenya East at the official residence of the Deputy President.
The meeting was attended by most of the elected leaders from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties in his initial steps to unite the region after months of acrimony.
In September last year, the same leaders from Mt Kenya East unanimously agreed to rally behind Kindiki, who was then Interior Cabinet Secretary, as their primary link to the national executive.
This would later curtain raise Kindiki's elevation as the country's second in command.
“Through his leadership, we are confident that the region’s priorities will be effectively communicated, and our development goals achieved,'' the leaders said then.
Since Gachagua's impeachment, there have been sharp cracks in Mt Kenya with a section of politicians who participated in Gachagua's ouster getting it rough.
Most of the MPs have avoided visiting their constituencies fearing a backlash from voters who view them as betrayers.
The meeting between Kindiki and Mt Kenya East politicians came hours after President William Ruto held talks with former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
The two leaders met at State House in Nairobi for the first time after Kiraitu recently lashed out at the government for allegedly sidelining the region from appointments.
Kiraitu currently serves as the chairman of the National Oil Corporation board.
A key figure in the 2022 General Election, Kiraitu aligned himself with the Azimio One Kenya coalition, which supported Raila Odinga’s presidential bid against Ruto.
He lost the Meru Governor seat to Kawira Mwangaza in 2022.
Ruto has intensified efforts to engage with leaders, including opposition figures, as part of a broader strategy to consolidate his influence.
He is also keen to bolster his fortunes in Mount Kenya East.
