Why unease is growing in Mt Kenya East region
Political tensions are rising in Kenya's Mt Kenya East region as local leaders push for an independent political identity separate from Mt Kenya West. The movement cites historical marginalization and unequal distribution of state appointments as primary drivers for this potential political fracture.
Why it matters
The potential fragmentation of a major voting bloc could fundamentally alter Kenya's national political landscape and future election outcomes.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku /SCREENGRAB
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is facing perhaps his toughest political balancing act yet as calls grow within Mt Kenya East for the region to chart its own independent political path.
The renewed push by a section of leaders is threatening to fracture the unity that has for decades made Mount Kenya the “tyranny of numbers”.
The flashpoint is the apparent refusal by Mount Kenya West to back President William Ruto’s reelection despite picking Kindiki as his running mate.
Signs of trouble emerged last week during the Ol Kalou by-election where Ruto’s UDA candidate was beaten hands down.
N opeu party leader Mpuru Aburi on Tuesday emphasi s ed that Mt Kenya East must now establish itself as an independent political bloc.
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