A fresh political storm is oiling in Meru County after a section of legislators from the region threatened to withdraw their support for President William Ruto if he drops Prof. Kithure Kindiki as his deputy come 2027 General Election.
The issue was raised during a meeting of grassroots leaders held at Ntugi in Buuri Sub-county, where seven Members of Parliament reaffirmed their loyalty to President Ruto but cautioned him against bowing to political pressure aimed at sidelining DP Kindiki.
The MPs emphasized that the region’s backing for the president is closely tied to the political fortunes of the Deputy apresident, who they described as a symbol of Mt. Kenya East’s long-awaited representation at the national leadership table.
The meeting hosted by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri and attended by Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, John Mutunga (Tigania West), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Shadrack Mwiti (Imenti South), Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, and Meru Woman Rep Karambu Kailemia where they warned the ODM against he eyeing the deputy president’s position in a potential alliance with Ruto ahead of 2027.
“Mt. Kenya East stands firmly behind President Ruto, but our support is tied to Prof. Kindiki. For decades, our region has supported other communities for top seats. Now that one of our own is in a senior position, it would be unacceptable for anyone to suggest replacing him,” said Rindikiri, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Over 1,000 local leaders attended the event, calling for unity within the region and cautioning that any attempt to remove Kindiki would spark a political backlash that could weaken Ruto’s support base in Mt. Kenya East.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga echoed the sentiment, warning that the region’s votes should not be taken for granted.
He described the Mt. Kenya East bloc as a decisive force in national politics, capable of shaping any major political outcome.
“We will not allow anyone to undermine Kindiki. The President must ignore selfish voices driven by greed because Mt. Kenya East has the numbers and they are ready to defend its rightful share of leadership,” said Mutunga.
The legislators stressed that their continued support for Ruto’s second-term bid is based on mutual respect and acknowledgment of the region’s contribution to the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
They vowed to campaign vigorously for Ruto and Kindiki’s joint ticket in 2027 but warned that any deviation from that partnership could cost the ruling alliance strongholds.
In a significant declaration, the Meru MPs also endorsed Prof. Kindiki as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2032 elections, saying it was time for Mt. Kenya East to produce Kenya’s next Head of State after President Ruto’s second term tenure expires .
“We will fully back Ruto in 2027, but our eyes are set on Kindiki for 2032. Since independence, our vote-rich region has never had one of its own as president. It is time other regions support us, just as we have supported them in the past,” said Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni.
On his part, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi took aim at the opposition, warning them against entertaining hopes of securing the deputy presidency.
“Our brothers from the Lake region should forget about this seat. It belongs to Mt. Kenya East. Even the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga recognized Kindiki’s leadership and supported his role for continuity beyond 2027,” Aburi declared.
Despite their stern message, the leaders commended President Ruto’s administration for what they described as visible development across the country.
They highlighted progress in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education as evidence that the Kenya Kwanza government is delivering on its campaign promises.
“From new roads and markets to improved hospitals and electricity connections, we can see real transformation. We appreciate what the government is doing. But our message remains simple keep Kindiki, keep Mt. Kenya East’,said Igembe Central MP.
The MPs further urged residents to register as voters in large numbers to enhance the region’s bargaining power ahead of the 2027 General Election.
They noted that a high voter turnout would strengthen Mt. Kenya East’s influence in national politics and ensure continued development.
“Let us mobilize our people to register and vote in huge numbers. Our strength lies in unity and our votes. The bigger our turnout, the louder our voice in determining who leads this nation,” said Mutunga.
