Africa-Press – Kenya. A section of youth allied to the UDA party in Mt. Kenya has expressed support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the region’s political voice, issuing a pointed response to DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Addressing the press Saturday in Embu, the youth leaders urged Gachagua to “stop presenting himself” as the region’s kingpin, maintaining that the outcome of the Mbeere North by-election was a clear signal on Mt. Kenya’s preferred leadership.
They said that the recent Mbeere North by-election served as a definitive “referendum” on leadership.
“The people spoke loudly, and they chose Prof. Kithure Kindiki,” UDA youth league leader from the region, Peterson Merichi, stated.
The group referenced the victory of Leonard Wa Muthende, the candidate publicly supported by DP Kindiki, over Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who had received backing from Gachagua.
They described the outcome as a “direct endorsement” and a decisive statement delivered “vote by vote” on the region’s preferred leader.
Merichi criticised Gachagua’s mobilisation efforts, saying he was contributing to unnecessary division.
“Any individual posturing and presenting themselves as the Mt. Kenya kingpin without the people’s mandate is misleading the public,” he said, emphasising that regional stability hinges on respecting the electorate’s will.
Beyond the regional rivalry, the youth leaders highlighted UDA’s national performance in the recent mini-polls, where the party secured 12 out of 24 contested seats.
They framed this as a reaffirmation of the party’s dominance.
Praising Kindiki’s “decisive and unifying leadership,” Merichi said, “He has proven himself a stabiliser and the principal leader of the region. The people have endorsed him, and we stand firmly behind him.”
The league issued a stern call for unity, urging leaders and residents to set aside “political factionalism.”
They specifically mentioned leaders elected on the UDA ticket who are now perceived to be advancing rival agendas.
Samuel Kinyua, another youth leader, delivered an ultimatum: “Tough statements must be made. Those advancing opposition agendas under UDA colours must return home, recommit, or honourably resign.”
Kinyua also urged the region’s youth to actively join the party’s wing, take up leadership roles, and help build a “policy-driven, future-oriented movement.”
The declaration signals a significant effort to consolidate Kindiki’s influence ahead of the next election cycle.
The youth league noted that rallying behind the Deputy President is crucial to “positioning Mt. Kenya at the forefront of the 2032 succession politics,” warning that the region “cannot afford to segregate itself.”
This public exchange heightens existing tension within the Mt. Kenya political scene, setting the stage for a protracted struggle for control of the vital voting bloc.
