Mt. Kenya East, a historically significant yet often overshadowed region in Kenyan politics, is making a bold bid for greater political autonomy and recognition. In a recent statement, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku underscored the region’s growing movement towards asserting its independence from the broader Mt. Kenya political fold. Speaking to Citizen TV, Ruku expressed that the residents of Mt. Kenya East are no longer content with being seen as mere “voting machines” and are now seeking a more defined and influential role in national politics.
“For over sixty years, our Kikuyu cousins have treated us as mere voting machines,” Ruku stated, reflecting on the longstanding feeling of marginalization among the communities of Embu, Mbeere, Tharaka, Imenti, Tigania, and Igembe. “Now, we are asserting our independence and will determine our own political and economic future.”
This movement is gaining momentum, with leaders from the region rallying behind Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who they see as their key representative to the national executive. The leaders from Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties recently convened to express their support for Kindiki, affirming that he would serve as the official link between Mt. Kenya East and the national government. In a joint statement, they highlighted, “We have unanimously agreed that Prof. Kithure Kindiki will be our representative to the executive.”
This political shift comes amidst a broader context of division and recalibration within the Mt. Kenya region, historically a vote-rich area that has played a critical role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. However, Ruku and other leaders from Mt. Kenya East argue that their region has long been sidelined in both political and developmental terms, often to its detriment.
Ruku emphasized the need for development projects that specifically target the needs of Mt. Kenya East, such as extending the Mau Mau road through critical areas like Embu, Mbeere, Tharaka, Imenti, Tigania, and Igembe. “We want respect and recognition for our region, and we refuse to continue bearing the burden of our cousins,” he added, referring to the broader Mt. Kenya region, predominantly inhabited by the Kikuyu community.
The leaders from Mt. Kenya East have voiced their gratitude to President William Ruto for appointing key figures from the region—Hon. Justin Muturi, Prof. Kindiki, and Eng. Eric Mugaa—as Cabinet Secretaries. They see these appointments as a reflection of the growing influence of Mt. Kenya East in national affairs.
Despite these appointments, Ruku and his fellow leaders are not resting on their laurels. They are committed to pushing for the completion of critical infrastructure projects that have stalled since the previous administration, including roads, water supply, and electrification initiatives. These projects are seen as vital for the socio-economic advancement of the region, which has lagged behind due to historical neglect.
This newfound political assertiveness by Mt. Kenya East is seen as a pivotal moment for the region as it seeks to address long-standing socio-economic and political grievances. The support for Prof. Kindiki is not just about having a representative in the executive; it symbolizes the region’s broader quest for recognition and development. By championing their own leaders and demanding targeted developmental initiatives, Mt. Kenya East is signaling that it is ready to chart its own course within the national political landscape.
As the political dynamics in Kenya continue to evolve, Mt. Kenya East’s push for autonomy and development will be an important narrative to watch. It underscores a growing trend of regions across Kenya seeking to assert their own identities and interests within the larger national framework, reflecting a maturing democracy where diverse voices and regional needs are increasingly coming to the fore.
