Mt. Kenya Split Proposal: Ruku’s Push for Regional Autonomy

: Mbeere MP Geoffrey Ruku proposes splitting Mt. Kenya into East and West,
sparking debate on regional autonomy and leadership ahead of 2027 elections

In what appears to be a significant move in Kenya’s political landscape, Mbeere North MP
Geoffrey Ruku’s proposal to split the Mt. Kenya region into two—Mt. Kenya East and Mt. Kenya
West—have triggered a heated debate that highlights the region’s internal struggles and its
approach toward the 2027 elections.

This move comes at a time when political divisions within the region are more pronounced,
especially following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment and his replacement by Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President.

A Divisive Proposal: The Case for Mt. Kenya East’s Autonomy

Ruku’s call for the division of Mt. Kenya reflects growing disillusionment with the current political setup, as various leaders within the region vie for influence ahead of the next elections.

By advocating for the establishment of a more autonomous Mt. Kenya East, Ruku is proposing
a leadership structure that could elevate influential figures like former Cabinet Secretary Kindiki and House Speaker Justin Muturi.

His idea is centred on localising governance to better address the distinct challenges facing Mt. Kenya East, which Ruku believes are often overshadowed by the political dominance of Mt.
Kenya West.

In his remarks, Ruku emphasized that the shift toward independent development goals would
allow Mt. Kenya East to better tackle infrastructure, education, and healthcare issues, which
have long been sidelined.

“We need to build a leadership that listens to the needs of the people on the ground,” Ruku
stated in a church service in Embu County, reflecting sentiments echoed by many constituents
frustrated by ongoing political infighting.

The Resistance: Gachagua, Kiunjuri, and the Politics of Unity

However, Ruku’s proposal has been met with fierce opposition from prominent political figures
such as Gachagua and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.

Gachagua, whose political trajectory has been deeply intertwined with the unity of the Mt.
Kenya region, has dismissed the proposal as “divisive” and a threat to the region’s long-
standing power structure.

Gachagua, who remains a critical figure in the region’s politics despite his recent impeachment, emphasised the importance of keeping Mt. Kenya united to maintain its influence at the national level.

“Our strength is in unity,” Gachagua remarked, adding that breaking the region into smaller
factions would weaken its bargaining power in the national arena.
Kiunjuri, on the other hand, has expressed concerns about the centralisation of power in Mt.
Kenya West, but he has also stopped short of endorsing a formal split.

He has suggested that the region needs a more inclusive leadership model that recognises the
distinct interests of both Mt. Kenya East and West.
“We cannot ignore the realities on the ground. We need leadership that truly represents all
parts of Mt. Kenya,” Kiunjuri noted.

The Shifting Power Dynamics: Gachagua’s Impeachment and
Kindiki’s Rise

The political backdrop to this debate has been dramatically altered by the recent impeachment
of Gachagua as Deputy President.
His impeachment was a significant turning point, and it was Prof. Kindiki, the former Interior
Cabinet Secretary, who emerged as his replacement.

Kindiki’s ascent to the Deputy President’s office is seen by many as a pivotal moment in Mt.
Kenya’s leadership landscape, particularly in the context of the region’s shifting political
priorities ahead of 2027.

Kindiki’s rise has provided a focal point for leaders in Mt. Kenya East, with Ruku and other
politicians pushing for Kindiki to assume a larger leadership role for the region.

At a meeting in Embu, local leaders reiterated their support for Kindiki, calling him a unifying
figure who could bridge the gap between Mt. Kenya East and the central government.

“Kindiki has shown that he understands our challenges, and we believe he is the leader who
can drive our region’s development,” said John Mutunga, an MP from Tigania West.

Fractures within Mt. Kenya: The Push for Secession and Localized
Leadership

In a parallel development, a group of leaders from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Embu counties
have declared their intention to “secede” from the larger Mt. Kenya region and rally around
Kindiki as their political spokesperson.

This declaration has further fueled the debate over the future of Mt. Kenya’s political unity.
Fourteen elected leaders from the three counties announced that they would form a new
political bloc, citing their desire for greater autonomy and a direct link to the central government.

“We, the leaders of Mt. Kenya East, have agreed that Prof. Kindiki will be our spokesperson to
the executive,” said Ruku, underlining the region’s aspirations for a more independent political voice.
This move reflects the growing sense of frustration among Mt. Kenya East leaders, who believe
that they have been overshadowed by Mt. Kenya West.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua have historically dominated the region’s
political discourse, leaving little space for alternative voices.

The Role of the Church: Local Voices and a Call for Decentralized
Governance

Religious leaders in Mt. Kenya have become key voices in the ongoing debate.
Some church leaders have supported Ruku’s proposal for localized governance, arguing that
the current leadership structure is not adequately addressing the social and economic
challenges faced by local communities.

“The people are tired of political infighting,” said Bishop Joshua Muturi of the Anglican Church in Embu. “What they need is leadership that will prioritise their needs. Localised governance could be the answer to many of our problems.”

Critics and Concerns: The Risk of Fragmentation

Despite growing support for Ruku’s proposal, many remain wary of the potential consequences
of dividing Mt. Kenya. Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira Kiago has warned that
fragmentation could weaken the region’s political influence.

“Splitting Mt. Kenya will only play into the hands of those who want to control us. We must stay united to maintain our strength,” Kiago argued.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a close ally of Gachagua, echoed these concerns, describing
the secession talks as “monkey business” that threatens the integrity of Mt. Kenya. “These
leaders are disconnected from the ground. The people of Mt. Kenya want unity, not division,”
Kahiga remarked.

Strategic Timing: Preparing for the 2027 General Elections

Ruku’s push for a divided Mt. Kenya region is seen by many as a strategic move ahead of the
2027 elections. By strengthening Mt. Kenya East’s political base, Ruku aims to ensure that the
region has more influence in national politics and that its interests are not sidelined by the
dominant factions of Mt. Kenya West.

With Kindiki now in a prominent position as Deputy President, Ruku and other leaders from the East are positioning themselves to take advantage of the shifting political landscape. Analysts suggest that this move is part of a broader effort to decentralise power and give local regions more autonomy in decision-making.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for Mt. Kenya’s Political Future

As Mt. Kenya grapples with internal divisions and growing calls for localised governance, the
region stands at a crossroads. The debate over the proposed split, alongside the shifting power
dynamics within the region, will play a significant role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.