Kindiki to Convene Mt Kenya Political Leaders Meeting to Address Goonism

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced plans to convene a meeting of Mt Kenya political leaders across the political divide as he seeks to address growing incidents of political goonism in the region.

Kindiki said the meeting will bring together leaders from different political parties and camps to explore ways of promoting political tolerance, unity and peaceful engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at Banana Town in Kiambaa Constituency, Kiambu County, Kindiki said he had taken up the initiative as part of the mandate he said was given to him by council of elders from communities in the Mt Kenya region.

He said the elders tasked him with spearheading efforts aimed at promoting unity, reconciliation and development in the region and across the country.

“I will convene a meeting of all political leaders from Mt Kenya, from all political divides, so that we can discuss how to end political goonism in our region,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President said Mt Kenya had experienced political competition among leaders since the advent of multiparty politics in Kenya, but argued that the region had not previously witnessed the level of political violence and disorder he now wants addressed.

Kindiki said political differences should not be allowed to undermine peace or create divisions among residents, urging leaders to embrace dialogue when addressing disagreements.

He said the planned meeting would provide an opportunity for political leaders to discuss ways of ensuring that competition does not degenerate into confrontation or violence.

The Deputy President also said he had chosen to lead by example by avoiding confrontational exchanges with opposition leaders from Mt Kenya who have criticised his leadership.

Kindiki said he had forgiven the leaders and would focus on his efforts to promote unity and reconciliation in the region.

“As a way of leading by example, I have decided not to respond to those who continuously disparage me. I have forgiven them unreservedly,” he said.

The Deputy President said political leaders had a responsibility to protect residents from violence and political mobilisation that could undermine peaceful coexistence.

He said the push for unity should bring together leaders with different political affiliations and should not be limited to those supporting the Government.

Kindiki was accompanied by Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Kawanjiku, Lari MP Mburu Kahangara and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, among other leaders.

The leaders expressed support for Kindiki’s efforts to promote unity and reconciliation in Mt Kenya and pledged to support his political leadership.

The meeting proposed by Kindiki comes as political activity intensifies in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders from different political camps seeking to consolidate their influence in the region.

Kindiki said political competition should be conducted peacefully, adding that unity and development would remain central to his efforts in the region.