Political leaders from Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Isiolo counties have announced a split from the larger Mt Kenya region political block to concentrate their energies on Mt Kenya East.
Mt Kenya East is composed of Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo counties.
The leaders who had attended the 6th Edition of the Ura Gate Cultural Festival in Tharaka Nithi solidified their unity, saying they have never been treated equally under the Mt. Kenya political wing.
Tigania East Member of Parliament (MP) Mpuru Aburi said the region would support one of their own for Presidency in 2032 after President William Ruto serves his second term.
“It is time for Mt Kenya East to unite and support their own. The Presidency can not revolve around Kikuyu and Kalenjin”, he said.
Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene said Mt. Kenya East counties had been neglected in terms of projects, saying major developments that have been lobbied through Mt. Kenya region are not commissioned in Mt. Kenya East counties.
“We do not need to be associated with ‘Mlima’. If the President wants a sitting with leaders from Mt.Kenya he will have to invite us first as Mt. Kenya East leaders. Projects such as roads have been lobbied using the name ‘Mt. Kenya region’ but nothing is on the ground in our counties,”, he said.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara said the region had been neglected for long under the GEMA political outfit, saying Mt. Kenya East had capable leaders and that it would speak in one voice for unity.
“It is time we split from Mt. Kenya politics. We are not being treated well and they forget about us yet we speak about the unity of GEMA. We have capable leaders and we will speak in one voice as Mt. Kenya East Region.”
Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki said the leaders would work together and unite to deliver to the peØple.
“We have a debt with the peØple which must be paid. We will work together; those who want to join us are welcome to do so”, Kareke said.
Last Sunday, during Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s visit to Meru at MCK Mikumbune, only three (3) Mps, one (1) Senator and two (2) Women Representatives from the region attended the event, signalling a split from the Deputy President’s camp.
In a previous event, Meru and Tharaka Nithi Speakers Ayub Bundi and John Mbabu said they had agreed to unify the region, where plans are underway to have a consultative meeting with MCAs from both counties to unify the region. The two committed to supporting one of their own as the region’s leader.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has on previous occasions said that the region would not be deceived to unite against the President and the government by a section of politicians amid calls by Gachagua’s call to Mt. Kenya to stick together to forestall political aggression.