Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, was on Saturday crowned the Official Spokesperson of the Mount Kenya region, during a high-level consultative meeting of community elders held at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County.
The gathering brought together traditional leaders and elders drawn from the ten Mount Kenya counties.
The meeting sought to address lingering differences among Regional and Sub-regions leaders, promote unity, and chart a common path for development under the current national administration.
National Patron of the Agikuyu Elders, Kinyua wa Mwangi, called on political and community leaders to prioritise development and work constructively with the government of the day.
“Leaders must bring development to our people. We urge them to work hand in hand with the government of the day, so that the Mount Kenya region continues to progress,” Kinyua wa Mwangi told the Assembly. He emphasized that unity among the sub-regions was essential if the area was to maximize opportunities available at the national level.
The Deputy President, who was formally endorsed as the region’s Spokesperson by the elders, used the occasion to appeal for political maturity and mutual respect among Mount Kenya leaders.
He drew a parallel with past political competitions in the region that, despite their intensity, never descended into destruction of property.
“We must embrace political tolerance and respect one another. Historically, Mount Kenya leaders competed vigorously, yet those contests never resulted in the destruction of property that we sometimes witness elsewhere today. That tradition of peaceful contestation must be preserved and strengthened,” Kindiki stated.
The Deputy President noted that the region’s strength had always rested on its ability to debate issues robustly while maintaining social cohesion.
He urged the elders and political actors present to continue fostering dialogue, so that differences do not escalate into division.
The Kirigiti meeting provided a platform for elders to air concerns affecting their respective counties and sub-regions.
Discussions touched on equitable distribution of development projects, improved coordination between local leaders, and the need for a unified voice when engaging national institutions.
Participants described the endorsement of Kindiki as a significant step towards giving the Mount Kenya region a clear and authoritative Spokesperson who can articulate its interests at the highest levels of government.
Elders present expressed confidence that the Deputy President’s new role would help bridge gaps between competing political camps and ensure the region speaks with one voice on matters of common concern.
Kinyua wa Mwangi reiterated that the elders’ primary expectation was tangible progress for ordinary citizens.
“Our people expect development, not endless political rivalry. Leaders who work with the government will deliver the roads, hospitals, schools and economic opportunities that our communities deserve,” he added.
Kindiki, assured the gathering that he would discharge the responsibility entrusted to him with diligence and fairness.
He called on all leaders from the ten counties to prioritise the welfare of residents above personal or factional interests.
The meeting concluded with a commitment by the elders to continue convening regular forums aimed at resolving emerging issues promptly and maintaining peace across the Mount Kenya region.
Officials noted that the spirit of consultation displayed at Kirigiti, reflected the traditional role of elders as custodians of community harmony.
The event underscored growing efforts within the Mount Kenya region to consolidate political and social unity as the country navigates its development agenda.
by Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo
