Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come under sharp public and political scrutiny for overwhelmingly focusing his official visits on the Mt. Kenya region—particularly the counties of Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, and Nyandarua.
In just one month, Kindiki made 36 visits to the region, sparking concerns about regional favoritism and early political maneuvering.
As the issue unfolds, political analysts, opposition figures, and members of the public have voiced concerns. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also indirectly drawn into the narrative, as many compare Kindiki’s regional focus to the political path that contributed to Gachagua’s decline.
Key local leaders and advisors from Mt. Kenya have reportedly played roles in coordinating Kindiki’s activities.
The visits occurred between May 1 and May 23, 2025—a period during which Kindiki crisscrossed Central Kenya almost daily, attending economic empowerment events, fundraisers, and development launches.
These activities took place primarily in Mt. Kenya counties, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, and Nyandarua. Within the same timeframe, Kindiki made only eight appearances outside this region.
On May 21, Kindiki was in Limuru, where he commissioned the upgraded Limuru Dairy factory. “The government is supporting value addition in agriculture. We are also implementing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he said during the visit.
Although Kindiki defends his visits as part of the government’s development agenda and efforts to support local empowerment programs, critics argue that the tours are politically motivated.
Observers suggest that the Deputy President is seeking to solidify his base and build influence in a strategically important region ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some also accuse him of falling into the same “regional fixation” trap that led to Gachagua being sidelined from power.
Analysts further point to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s need to consolidate support in Mt. Kenya, which delivered a significant bloc of votes in 2022 but has since shown signs of discontent.
Kindiki’s presence has been marked by high-frequency engagements—launching local projects, addressing economic forums, and attending church and community fundraisers. In many of these stops, he has been flanked by key allies, including former Gachagua loyalists now shifting their allegiance.
Despite his public calls to reject tribal politics, the heavy focus on Central Kenya has drawn criticism over perceived regional favoritism—echoing the very accusations that eventually isolated Gachagua.
For many observers, the timing and intensity of the visits are seen as more than mere coincidence, especially amid growing speculation of a leadership reshuffle ahead of 2027.
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