Kindiki mounts fightback to retain DP seat
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is launching a mobilization campaign in the Mt Kenya East region to solidify his political standing. Local elders are backing his leadership, arguing that the region is owed political support after years of backing leaders from Mt Kenya West.
Why it matters
This highlights shifting power dynamics within Kenya's ruling coalition and the importance of regional voting blocs in future presidential succession.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a meeting with Mt Kenya East elders, Nembure, Embu, August 15, 2026/DPCS Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has embarked on a strategy to consolidate his Mt Kenya East backyard amid efforts by ODM to lay claim to the seat ahead of the election. The DP has rolled out a mobilisation campaign that allies see as an attempt to settle the question of whether he has sufficient support in the mountain to retain the Deputy President’s position.
At the weekend, hundreds of elders from Mt Kenya East met in Embu and declared their support for President William Ruto’s re-election, while throwing their weight behind Kindiki as the region’s political kingpin.
The elders described Mt Kenya East as one family united by history, culture, geography and shared interests.
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