Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced plans to bring together political leaders from across the Mt Kenya region in a fresh effort to end political violence, goonism and rising tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof Kindiki said the planned meeting would bring together leaders from different political parties and political formations to agree on ways of ensuring that competition in the region is based on policies and ideas rather than violence and intimidation.
Speaking at Banana Town in Kiambaa Constituency, Kiambu County the Deputy President said he was taking the initiative as part of a mandate given to him by elders from communities in the region to spearhead unity, reconciliation and development.
He said political differences had existed in Mt Kenya since the return of multiparty politics, with leaders supporting competing parties and presidential candidates.
However, Kindiki said political competition should not degenerate into attacks, destruction of property, stoning of vehicles or physical confrontations.
“I will reach out to all my fellow politicians from the mountain so that we can agree that everyone should sell their policies and political parties without violence, chaos and stoning vehicles because such things cannot be accepted,” he said.
The Deputy President said he would lead by example by refusing to engage in political exchanges with leaders who have criticised or disparaged him.
The second in command said he had chosen to forgive his political opponents and would concentrate on promoting unity instead of trading insults.
His remarks come at a time when political temperatures have been rising in parts of the Mt Kenya region as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
He noted recently political gatherings in the region have been marked by sharp rivalry, with leaders trading accusations over violence and attempts to disrupt political meetings.
Kindiki said such confrontations should not become part of the region’s political culture.
He urged politicians to allow their opponents to campaign freely while seeking votes peacefully and selling their policies to voters.
The Deputy President has in recent weeks intensified his calls for unity among communities in Mt Kenya, following his endorsement by regional elders as a spokesman for the region.
The elders have called for cooperation among the communities of Mt Kenya East and West and cautioned against attempts to divide the region along political lines.
Kindiki said his latest initiative would extend beyond party politics, arguing that leaders from different camps could disagree politically while still working together to protect peace and development.
“We can compete politically, but let us abandon politics of violence and compete on the basis of our work and policies,” he said.
He was accompanied by Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Kawanjiku, Lari MP Mburu Kahangara and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a.
The three legislators expressed support for Kindiki’s leadership and said they would back his political ambitions after President William Ruto leaves office.
The proposed meeting is expected to test whether leaders from rival political camps can find common ground on peaceful political competition as the region prepares for the 2027 elections.
