Meru, Tharaka Nithi celebrates elevation of Kindiki to Deputy President

A section of leaders and residents of Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties are optimistic Interior and National Government Administration Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki will take over from Rigathi Gachagua even as they await the determination of the matter by the court.

They urged Kenyans to rally behind Prof Kindiki who is from Mt Kenya East.

"Since independence, Mt Kenya East voters have always supported leaders from the West. We supported presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Ruto and his impeached Deputy Gachagua. It is the turn of Mount Kenya West to support Mount Kenya East," said Juster Karimi.

She said, "Mt Kenya leaders and residents should not let the DP issue divide us. Our strength is in unity and since we in the East have always supported leaders from the West, they should prove that they valued and appreciated that unity by supporting Kindiki."

In Tharaka Nithi, Governor Muthomi Njuki led the celebrations in thanking President Ruto for picking Kindiki as Deputy President-designate, pending his vetting by the National Assembly.

"Congratulations, my brother and son of Tharaka Nithi Kindiki Kithure, for your nomination as the country's 13th Deputy President. On my behalf, and that of the people of Tharaka Nithi, we give you to the Nation. Go ye and serve with diligence and honour," Governor Njuki said.

He added, "We pray and believe that your nomination heralds a new beginning for the nation."

He said the fact that someone from such a small sub-tribe of Tharaka had been picked as DP heralded a new beginning and had proved the country had made a big stride in the advancement of democracy.

"We are leaving the politics of tribalism and shareholding behind," Njuki said.

Historic moment

Meru County government economic advisor Gideon Kimathi described the nomination as a historic moment.

"We thank the president for such a great honour. When he sacked his cabinet, we pleaded with him to reconsider Prof Kindiki and he reappointed him. We again pleaded with him that should a vacancy arise in the DP's position, he should consider Kindiki because as has been proven he can deliver in advancing the president's agenda for unity and development in the country, and he appointed him DP,” Kimathi said.

North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, who is serving his third term, and who has been a key supporter of Prof Kindiki in the region said he expected him to work well with President Ruto.

"Deputy President Kindiki is non-confrontational and a hard worker, so we expect good chemistry with his boss President Ruto. So three years will be work only and not dirty politics," said Dawood.

Tharaka Nithi Assembly Speaker John Mbabu said, "On behalf of all elected and nominated MCAs I want to thank President Ruto for appointing one of our own, and we reiterate our firm support for both of them."

Johnstone Mutegi from Cheera in Chuka-Igambang'ombe Sub County said it was historic.