Kindiki Defends Mt Kenya Cultural Endorsement as Political Leaders Raise Objections

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended his recent cultural endorsement by elders from the Gikuyu, Embu and Meru communities, dismissing criticism from political leaders who have questioned the significance of the ceremony.

Kindiki was endorsed on Saturday by community elders who said they had chosen him to spearhead efforts to promote unity, reconciliation and development across the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking at Gaciongo Market in Tharaka Constituency, Kindiki said the elders who participated in the ceremony were recognized authorities on cultural matters within the three communities and challenged political leaders opposed to the endorsement to confront the elders directly.

“Thirty thousand elders from different clans in Mt Kenya came to Kirigiti Stadium. If there is anyone with an issue, look for the elders, and if you think you are bold enough, I dare you to contradict what the elders have decided,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President spoke after inspecting construction works on the Mukothima-Gatunga Road in Tharaka Constituency.

Kindiki Criticises Political Rivals

Kindiki also used the occasion to highlight development projects in the region while taking a swipe at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka over the state of infrastructure in his home area.

“You have been Vice President, but when you go home, you cover 200 kilometres of murram road. You have been a minister, yet you did not construct a road there,” Kindiki said.

He did not name all the local leaders he accused of attacking him but urged politicians affiliated with other political formations to focus on their political responsibilities and avoid what he described as unnecessary attacks.

“Some brothers are attacking me here. Compete with those you will be running for political positions with. Do your job and focus on those you are contesting against,” he said.

DCP Rejects Kindiki's Endorsement

The endorsement has, however, drawn criticism from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which rejected the idea that political leadership in the region can be determined through a cultural endorsement by elders.

DCP Secretary-General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu dismissed the ceremony and argued that political leadership is ultimately determined by voters.

“This community had leaders like Dedan Kimathi. We did not see elders sitting him down like an elder,” Methu said.

The contrasting positions highlight a broader debate over the role of traditional elders in contemporary political leadership and the extent to which cultural recognition translates into political influence.

Kindiki's endorsement comes as political leaders and parties increasingly position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle, with the Mt Kenya region remaining an important political constituency.

For now, Kindiki has maintained that the elders' decision carries cultural authority, while his political critics continue to argue that leadership should be determined through the democratic process.