Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is preparing the ground in an attempt to wrest control of Mt Kenya region from his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua amid growing dissent against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
On Tuesday, Prof Kindiki hosted MPs from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu— counties that form Mount Kenya East, where the second in command hails from for a meeting to launch a round of leaders' consultative forums aimed at fast-tracking development projects in the region.
The meeting came hot on the heels of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi's talks with President William Ruto at State House on Sunday, sparking speculation that a Cabinet reshuffle could be in the offing, with people from Meru County, including former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, expected to be appointed to Dr Ruto's government.
Mr Murungi, who is the chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) board, could get a job at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), according to sources.
The reconstitution of the IEBC is one of the issues currently giving Dr Ruto sleepless nights as politicians push for the filling of vacancies.
Meru County leaders have expressed disappointment at being "excluded" from Dr Ruto's government after the president appointed allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta to various positions in his administration.
The engagement of Mt Kenya East leaders by President Ruto and his deputy is expected to prepare the ground for planned presidential visits to the region. Although the tours are yet to be confirmed, several sources indicate that they could begin before the end of January.
Stalled development projects
The upcoming forums come at a time of growing discontent in the region over the removal of Mr Gachagua, stalled development projects and perceived political neglect.
At the same time, a major political showdown looms later this month when Mr Gachagua and his allies make political pronouncements, including the identification of a regional political party to challenge the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the 2027 General Election.
However, Prof Kindiki appears to be readying his machinery to counter the growing opposition.
According to MPs who attended Tuesday's meeting, their discussions focused on how to effectively neuter the opposition by delivering much-needed development projects.
Strategies on how to make the region more receptive to the President in the face of growing popular dissent were also on the table. In the same way, the President is facing hostility in the region, MPs who voted for Mr Gachagua's impeachment have not found peace in their constituencies, where they have faced a backlash.
The breakfast meeting was said to have been tense as MPs grilled the DP over stalled projects and the politics of government reshuffle in which the president has included allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga .
While the deputy president shared photos of the meeting on his social media pages, there has been no word on what was discussed.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga said they were particularly concerned that major development projects were being rolled out in other parts of the country, excluding Meru County.
"The meeting did not last long because the Deputy President was on his way to Taita Taveta. But we made it clear to him that the government must complete all pending projects in our constituencies. We are no longer interested in promissory notes, we want action on the ground," said Mr Mutunga.
He said they impressed Prof Kindiki on the need for the current government to appreciate the 'importance of the region' in national politics. In the 2022 General Election, Meru County gave President Ruto 369,362 votes, second only to Kiambu's 606,105.
Mt Kenya region gave Dr Ruto 47 per cent of the vote in 2022, propelling him to State House.
The leaders said the region was interested in development commensurate with the votes it contributed to Dr Ruto's victory.
"It is not that our people want to be in the opposition because it is not interesting. What they want is development. The government must also deal with cattle rustling in Meru and recover all the stolen animals," said Dr Mutunga.
He added: "We have also asked the President to stop playing politics in the region. Why not strengthen the existing leaders? Should someone fight the government to be recognised?”
Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi said they agreed that development should precede any presidential visit to the region.
"We cannot have an angel as a leader, but all we need is tangible development. There is no need to talk a lot, what we want is for the roads, water projects and markets to be done. If work is done, the president will have an easy time with the people," said Mr Aburi.
According to Chuka/Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene, the meeting between Mt Kenya East MPs and the deputy president paves the way for development forums of regional leaders.
"The meeting laid the groundwork for the grassroots leaders' forums that will start soon. Each county will send representatives to the forums that will focus on development priorities for their region," said Mr Munene.
His Maara counterpart, Kareke Mbiuki, said the DP stressed the need for unity among leaders from the region.
He said it was agreed that the elected leaders should help the president deliver on the development promises he made in each county.
"That is why the deputy president will be meeting leaders from each of the 47 counties to look at development priorities. Our meeting should set these forums in motion. Prof Kindiki wants to leave a mark through development in the next two years," said Mr Mbiuki.
Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya said the meeting also highlighted the importance of regional unity.
"There is a need for us to speak with one voice as leaders of Mt Kenya East. If we have united leaders, we can push for development programmes for our region as a team. Once we unite the leadership of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu, we can then work with other leaders in Central Kenya," said Mr Gataya.
"There was an emphasis on unity and the need to stop politicking and focus on development. We were assured that stalled projects will be completed," she said.
