The leaders, speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) polling centre leaders’ meeting at Kinoru Stadium on Friday, said UDA would remain in the ruling party and demanded that Mount Kenya West reciprocate the political support it has received from the region over the years.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) polling centre leaders’ meeting at Kinoru Stadium on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Leaders from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo Counties have declared that Mount Kenya East will seek the presidency in 2032, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emerging as their preferred candidate even as they mobilise support for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
The leaders, speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) polling centre leaders’ meeting at Kinoru Stadium on Friday, said UDA would remain in the ruling party and demanded that Mount Kenya West reciprocate the political support it has received from the region over the years.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said the region had supported leaders from Mount Kenya West from the presidency to the deputy presidency and it was now time for the favour to be returned.
“We are not children of a stepmother; Mount Kenya is one. Over the years, we have supported our brothers from the west in leadership, from the Deputy Presidency to the Presidency. Now, it is time for them to return the favour and support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. That is not too much to ask for ” Mr Mutuma said.
The governor cited projects in healthcare, roads, affordable housing and agriculture as some of the reasons Meru would continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki said Kenya’s political history supported the argument that Deputy Presidents have a strong advantage in succeeding their bosses.
“History shows that you can become President if you have served as Deputy President. We are almost there, and we should support the Deputy President until he becomes President,” Mr Njuki said.
He urged voters to retain the Ruto-Kindiki administration for a second term, arguing that the two leaders should be allowed to serve for 10 years.
“There is no difference between President William Ruto and DP Kindiki; they are joined at the hip. Why would you want them to serve for only five years?” he said.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo joined the succession campaign, declaring that Prof Kindiki would become Kenya’s sixth president after the 2027 election.
“I have no doubt that after 2027, the next, sixth President of the Republic of Kenya will be Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki,” Mr Guyo said.
He cited the construction of the Nithi Bridge and the planned Level Six hospital in Meru as evidence of development under the Ruto administration.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga set a target of one million votes for the government in Meru County, saying residents should protect ongoing projects by supporting the administration.
Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene credited Prof Kindiki with championing projects contained in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi said residents would not abandon UDA for emerging political formations.
“The people of Meru are not stupid. We formed this government, we voted for it, and we cannot now be told to leave UDA, the party we formed and voted forand go and form another government whose owners we do not know,” he said.
Governor Cecily Mbarire accused leaders from other parts of Mount Kenya of disrespecting Prof Kindiki and said Meru had supported Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
“For 37 years, we, the people of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu, have supported you. This time round, they should support our son, Professor Kithure Kindiki,” she said.
Former Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo said the region should remain united behind the deputy president.
“For the first time, East of this mountain, we will get a President of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
