Speaking during a rally in Meru County on Sunday, April 26, 2026, Kindiki said Mt Kenya has a long history of producing national leaders who earned respect through service rather than self-proclamation.
His remarks come amid a growing rivalry between leaders aligned to the Kenya Kwanza administration and Gachagua, who has been seeking to consolidate his influence in the vote-rich region following his fallout with President William Ruto.
Kindiki referenced past presidents from the region, including Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, noting that none of them ever declared themselves kingpins of Mt Kenya despite their immense influence.
“We have had leaders from this region who rose to the presidency and served the nation diligently. At no point did they go around declaring themselves kingpins. Leadership is given by the people,” Kindiki said.
He argued that political authority in the region has traditionally been shaped by performance and public trust, not titles or personal branding.
According to him, attempts to claim control over Mt Kenya politics risk undermining democratic values and reducing leadership to a contest of egos.
Kindiki’s remarks appear to be a direct response to the ongoing narrative around Gachagua’s role in the region.
Kindiki’s remarks appear to be a direct response to the ongoing narrative around Gachagua’s role in the region.
Since leaving government, Gachagua has positioned himself as a key political voice in Mt Kenya, holding rallies and engaging grassroots leaders in what analysts see as an effort to retain relevance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, Gachagua has publicly denied seeking the “kingpin” label. In a recent interview, he stated that there is no constitutional position of a regional kingpin and insisted his focus remains on national leadership.
“I am only interested in the presidency. There is no position called kingpin in the Constitution,” Gachagua said, downplaying claims that he is fighting to control Mt Kenya politics.
Despite this, the debate over influence in the region has continued to dominate political discourse, reflecting the high stakes ahead of 2027.
However, Gachagua has publicly denied seeking the “kingpin” label. In a recent interview, he stated that there is no constitutional position of a regional kingpin and insisted his focus remains on national leadership.
“I am only interested in the presidency. There is no position called kingpin in the Constitution,” Gachagua said, downplaying claims that he is fighting to control Mt Kenya politics.
Despite this, the debate over influence in the region has continued to dominate political discourse, reflecting the high stakes ahead of 2027.
Mt Kenya remains one of the most decisive voting blocs in Kenya, and any shift in its political alignment could significantly shape the outcome of the next election.
Kindiki has in recent months increased his presence in the region, attending public events and development tours as he seeks to solidify support for the government.
Kindiki has in recent months increased his presence in the region, attending public events and development tours as he seeks to solidify support for the government.
His latest remarks signal a strategy aimed at countering Gachagua’s growing influence while reinforcing the administration’s grip on the region.
At the same time, leaders allied to Gachagua have accused the government of attempting to sideline him politically.
At the same time, leaders allied to Gachagua have accused the government of attempting to sideline him politically.
They argue that his removal from office did not diminish his grassroots support and that he remains a formidable figure in Mt Kenya politics.
The rivalry has also drawn in opposition leaders, further complicating the political landscape. Some opposition figures have defended Gachagua, framing him as a victim of political persecution, while criticising Kindiki’s rise to the deputy presidency.
This widening political contest underscores a broader struggle over the direction of Mt Kenya politics. For decades, the region has played a central role in shaping Kenya’s leadership, often acting as a kingmaker in national elections.
Observers note that the current debate is less about titles and more about influence, resources, and the ability to mobilise voters.
The rivalry has also drawn in opposition leaders, further complicating the political landscape. Some opposition figures have defended Gachagua, framing him as a victim of political persecution, while criticising Kindiki’s rise to the deputy presidency.
This widening political contest underscores a broader struggle over the direction of Mt Kenya politics. For decades, the region has played a central role in shaping Kenya’s leadership, often acting as a kingmaker in national elections.
Observers note that the current debate is less about titles and more about influence, resources, and the ability to mobilise voters.
As economic concerns such as the cost of living, unemployment, and development projects take centre stage, leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver tangible results.
Kindiki emphasised that leadership should be rooted in service delivery rather than rhetoric. He urged politicians to focus on addressing the needs of wananchi instead of engaging in divisive politics.
Kindiki emphasised that leadership should be rooted in service delivery rather than rhetoric. He urged politicians to focus on addressing the needs of wananchi instead of engaging in divisive politics.
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