UDA Rift Widens As Mt Kenya East Leaders Dump Gachagua, Endorse Kindiki: "We've Come Of Age"

• The rift within the UDA party deepened after Mt Kenya East leaders shifted their allegiance from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki
• They declared Kindiki as their link to the Presidency, citing a need for development-focused ties with the national government
• The lawmakers expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for appointing three Cabinet secretaries from their region, including Kindiki, Justin Muturi, and Eric Mugaa
• They called on the government to speed up key development projects, including road infrastructure, water, and electrification programs

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Embu - The growing rift within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has deepened, with Mt Kenya East leaders unanimously shifting their political allegiance.

During a high-profile meeting held at the Izaak Walton Inn on Monday, September 9, elected leaders from Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties resolved to forge a new political path for the region.

The leaders cited the need for strong development ties with the national government for their resolution.

In a statement, the leaders declared Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as their link to the Presidency, dumping Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"As leaders, we remain committed to ensuring the development of Mount Kenya East. Our people deserve nothing less. As the legislators of Mt. Kenya East, and on behalf of our people, we have unanimously agreed that the link between us and the executive is Prof. Kithure Kindiki," the leaders said.

Acknowledging the region’s political significance, the leaders observed that Mt Kenya East's large voter base could no longer be overlooked.

What are Mt Kenya East leaders' demands?

The lawmakers further expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for appointing three Cabinet secretaries from the region: Justin Muturi, Kithure Kindiki, and Eng. Eric Mugaa.

They said the appointments reflected Ruto's recognition of Mt Kenya East’s importance in the national agenda.

"We take this opportunity to sincerely thank His Excellency the President William Samoei Ruto for recently appointing three Cabinet Secretaries from our region namely Hon. Justin Muturi, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Eng. Eric Mugaa. These three appointments reflect the trust and recognition the President has placed on Mount Kenya East, and we are grateful for their opportunity to serve in the national leadership," they said.

The leaders reiterated the need to prioritise key development projects, including unfinished road infrastructure, water, and electrification programs initiated during the previous administration.

They urged the government to expedite the completion of these projects, stressing their importance to the region's growth and prosperity.

Mwangi Kiunjuri slams Gachagua

Separately, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri accused the DP of trying to isolate the Mt Kenya region for personal political gain.

Kiunjuri claimed Gachagua's efforts to consolidate support in Mt Kenya are part of a broader scheme to weaken Ruto's influence.

The Service Party leader urged Mt Kenya leaders to remain united with the central administration despite Gachagua's actions.

Kiunjuri accused Gachagua of focusing on regional politics instead of supporting the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza coalition's campaign promises.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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Mt Kenya East lawmakers.

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