Last Updated on 9 minutes by Agencies for Kenya Online News

A group of Mt Kenya East Members of Parliament (MPs) have backed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to run for the presidency in 2032.

Led Public Service Cabinet Secretary who is an immediate former Mbeere North Mp Geoffrey Ruku declared support for President William Ruto’s second term in 2027 then to be succeeded by Kindiki.

The leaders made the announcement, positioning Kindiki as their political choice beyond Ruto’s tenure.

Speaking during a special programmes outreach in Chuka Igambang’ombe, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, CS Ruku made it clear that their loyalty to President Ruto remains strong and that their region will have a clear plan for the years ahead.

“Tuko kwa hii corner ya mlima. Na tunasema mchana, hatusemi usiku; raisi wa jamhuri ni noma. Na juu rais wa jamhuri ni noma na amefanyia wananchi wa kona hii kazi, tutampatia term ingine 2027, aendelee kuwa rais wa jamhuri ya Kenya,” Ruku said.

He went on to stress that after Ruto completes his leadership, Mt Kenya East already has their candidate for State House in 2032.

“Alafu tukifika hapo mbele, wale ambao wanafikiria sisi ati ni wajinga. Wale wanafikiria sisi hatuoni. Tuko na kijana wetu ambaye ako tayari kuanzia 2032 tusukume yeye aingie katika ikulu akuwe rais wa jamhuri ya Kenya, na sio mwingine ni Professor Kithure Kindiki,” he added.

The remarks sharpen the political contest in Mt Kenya, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has often claimed to be the region’s undisputed leader. Gachagua has described himself as the “owner of the mountain”, covering both the east and west. However, divisions have persisted, with MPs from the east side previously dismissing his leadership claims.

In September last year, Mt Kenya East MPs gathered in Embu and declared Kindiki as their regional kingpin. They said Kindiki was the best link between their counties and the national government. The leaders included representatives from Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties.

Their endorsement then was seen as a move to unite the east behind one voice and to challenge Gachagua’s push for control. It also highlighted Kindiki’s growing stature in national politics, boosted by his DP role.

Beyond endorsements, Kindiki has kept ties with the grassroots. He has severally hosted youths at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi, urging them to focus on development and warning against leaders who exploit their struggles for personal gain.