MERU, Kenya – The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders on Friday endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the Mt. Kenya region's spokesman during a traditional gathering held at the historic Nchiru Shrine in Meru County.
The ceremony, attended by thousands of elders drawn from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, also saw the council publicly declare its support for President William Ruto's bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election.
According to the elders, Kindiki will serve as the region's link to the national government and champion the interests of communities in the larger Mt. Kenya East region.
Addressing the gathering, Kindiki thanked the Njuri Ncheke elders for the recognition, describing them as custodians of Ameru culture, traditions and values.
"Elders are the custodians of custom, culture and family values, guiding society in navigating complex social, economic, cultural and political issues," Kindiki said after attending the ceremony.
The Deputy President said he had honoured the invitation of the Njuri Ncheke Supreme Council and reaffirmed his commitment to working with community leaders to promote unity, peace and development.
The endorsement comes amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders seeking to consolidate support across the Mt. Kenya region following recent shifts in the country's political landscape.
During the ceremony, the elders urged residents of the wider Mt. Kenya region to remain united and support President Ruto's re-election while backing leadership from Mt. Kenya East.
Mixed reactions
The endorsement has, however, generated mixed reactions online and within political circles.
Supporters described the declaration as a significant political endorsement that strengthens Kindiki's standing in the Mt. Kenya region.
Critics, however, argued that the Njuri Ncheke is traditionally a council of elders rather than a political institution. Some maintained that the council's customs do not recognise political "kingpins" or kings, but instead promote collective leadership and consensus among elders.
The differing reactions highlight the growing political significance of cultural institutions as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the ceremony carried cultural significance for the Ameru community, its political implications are expected to remain a subject of debate as Kenya's succession politics continue to take shape.
The Office of the Deputy President has not indicated whether the endorsement forms part of a broader political strategy for the Mt. Kenya region, but Kindiki has recently intensified engagements with leaders and communities across the country as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.
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Category: Politics · Related Topic: William Ruto
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