Speaking during a church service in Mung’au, Embu County, Ruku highlighted the need for this split, arguing that it would allow the region to better represent its diverse political interests and foster more effective governance.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination, Kithure Kindiki Photo Kithure Kindiki
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Kariuki Ruku at Parliamentary chambers. Photo Geoffrey Ruku
Ruku’s call for division comes against a backdrop of increasing factionalism within the Mt Kenya region. He pointed out that both sides of the mountain have influential leaders and are equally represented in the government.
“It is high time we divide the mountain so that we can have a Mt Kenya East and West,” Ruku stated. He expressed frustration with the ongoing political disputes and the lack of unified progress, urging leaders and citizens to work independently on development issues.
The MP's proposal is seen as a direct response to the growing power struggle within the region. Tensions have been rising as different leaders vie for dominance over Mt Kenya.
This has been particularly evident in the debates between those supporting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and others backing different figures, including former Laikipia North MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi and Kithure Kindiki.
Ruku’s remarks seem to target these internal conflicts, especially the rivalry between Gachagua and Kiunjuri. Gachagua, who has been actively consolidating support in Mt Kenya, has faced criticism from Kiunjuri and his allies.
Kiunjuri recently accused Gachagua of attempting to isolate the region for personal political gains and of undermining President William Ruto's influence.
Kiunjuri’s concerns are grounded in the belief that Gachagua’s maneuvers might create further division within the region, potentially diminishing Ruto's power as the 2027 General Election approaches.
He has claimed that Gachagua’s actions are part of a broader strategy to disrupt the political landscape for selfish reasons.
Ruku’s proposal for dividing Mt Kenya East and West aims to address these issues by allowing each side of the mountain to focus on its unique political and developmental needs.
By doing so, he believes that the region can avoid the ongoing power struggles and work more effectively under its own leadership.
In his address, Ruku emphasized the significance of the leaders from Mt Kenya East, such as Justin Muturi and Kithure Kindiki. He argued that their leadership should be central to the region’s political discourse. The division would, according to Ruku, enable a more focused approach to governance and development, free from the conflicts that currently plague the region.
The idea of splitting the Mt Kenya region has sparked debate among political analysts and residents alike. Supporters argue that it could lead to more tailored and efficient governance, allowing each half of the mountain to pursue its developmental goals with greater autonomy.
Critics, however, worry that it might exacerbate existing divisions and create new challenges in political coordination and unity.
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