Elders from the Mt Kenya region have officially endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as their regional spokesman during a traditional ceremony held in Kiambu County. The event took place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Kirigiti Stadium, where elders from the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities gathered for a solemn assembly. The endorsement comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of Kenya’s 2027 general election, with the region seen as a key battleground.
The ceremony included the symbolic handing over of instruments of power, a customary practice in local governance. Kindiki, who is also a member of the Jubilee Party, was welcomed by elders who emphasized their commitment to regional unity. The move has sparked reactions from political rivals, with some accusing the elders of favoring one candidate over others.
Geoffrey Ruku, a local leader, returned a symbolic axe during the event, signaling a shift in power dynamics. Meanwhile, opposition figures like Rigathi Gachagua have expressed disappointment, calling the endorsement a sign of political surrender. The event underscores the growing influence of traditional leaders in shaping political outcomes in Kenya.
