By Dorish Moraa | July 20th, 2026
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reignited debate over the political future of the Mount Kenya region, declaring that the outcome of the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election demonstrates the need for Mount Kenya East and Mount Kenya West to chart separate political paths ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) defeated the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the Ol Kalou by-election, Ruku argued that the political choices made by voters in Mount Kenya West should no longer determine the direction taken by counties in the eastern part of the region.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that counties such as Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi have distinct political interests and development priorities that should be pursued independently rather than under a single regional political umbrella.
According to Ruku, the Ol Kalou by-election outcome has little political significance for Mount Kenya East, insisting that the eastern counties remain firmly aligned with President William Ruto’s administration and will continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza government.
He stated that leaders and residents from the region remain committed to backing President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the 2027 General Election, regardless of changing political dynamics in neighbouring counties.
“The political decisions made in one part of Mount Kenya should not automatically dictate the direction taken by another. Mount Kenya East has its own priorities and its own political future,” Ruku said.
The Cabinet Secretary’s remarks come amid a growing campaign advocating what proponents describe as the political independence of Mount Kenya East.
In recent weeks, Ruku has held consultative meetings with more than 300 youth leaders from Meru County as part of efforts to mobilize support for the initiative.
He said the engagements are intended to encourage greater political participation among young people while laying the foundation for a regional movement that seeks to advance the interests of the eastern counties.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the eastern region has for many years been overshadowed politically by the larger and more populous counties in Mount Kenya West.
They claim that despite contributing significantly to national politics, counties such as Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi have not received an equitable share of government development projects, public appointments and resource allocation.
According to the leaders backing the campaign, separating the political identity of Mount Kenya East would strengthen the region’s bargaining power within government and ensure that its concerns receive greater national attention.
The proposal has, however, exposed divisions within leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has publicly dismissed calls for a political split, urging residents to preserve the unity that has historically enabled the Mount Kenya region to influence national politics.
Speaking during a church service in Embu County, Kindiki cautioned against initiatives that could divide the region, arguing that maintaining a united political front would strengthen its negotiating position in future national discussions.
He emphasized that development and service delivery should remain the priority rather than political realignments that could create unnecessary divisions among neighbouring communities.
Political analysts say the differing positions taken by senior government officials highlight the ongoing contest over political influence in the Mount Kenya region as leaders position themselves ahead of the next general election.
The debate has also intensified following the opposition’s decisive victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, an outcome many observers have interpreted as a significant political setback for the ruling UDA in one of its traditional support bases.
While opposition leaders have described the by-election as evidence of changing political tides in the region, Ruku dismissed that interpretation, insisting the result has no bearing on the political direction of Mount Kenya East.
He maintained that residents of the eastern counties remain steadfast in their support for President Ruto’s administration and will continue working with the government to accelerate development projects and improve service delivery.
As the country gradually shifts its focus toward the 2027 General Election, the renewed debate over the future of the Mount Kenya political bloc is expected to remain at the centre of national political discourse, with leaders continuing to differ on whether regional unity or political independence offers the strongest path to greater representation and development.
