The political unity of the larger Mount Kenya region, enjoyed since independence, appeared to be wobbling after a section of leaders threatened to pull-out of the fold.
Some leaders from Mt. Kenya East have declared their resolve to go solo when ‘push comes to shove’ unless their opponents from the West behave accordingly.
The leaders, led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku, declared that they will no longer accept being dragged into the politics of the larger region, yet they have historically been marginalized in terms of development.
Ruku said the region must chart its own political destiny and free itself from narratives that do not reflect their interests and development priorities.
Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Church, Kangaru, on Sunday, CS Ruku called on residents to ignore calls by leaders from the opposition led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to hate President William Ruto and his government agenda and programs.
Ruku accused Gachagua of orchestrating what he termed as “systemic hatred” against the President in Mt. Kenya Region.
“Mt Kenya East must stand firm and protect its own political and economic interests and not blindly follow those from the west who have enjoyed immense development in past governments” Ruku said.
Ruku pointed out that Mt Kenya East has capable national leadership, citing Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as evidence that the region can shape its own future independently.
“We will divide the mountain if need be and have our own title deed,” Ruku declared.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire echoed Ruku’s remarks, saying Mt Kenya East will not hesitate to chart its own political course if pushed.
“As a region we must say enough is enough and refuse to be drugged into politics that do not serve our people,” Mbarire said.
By Samuel Waititu
