The Mt. Kenya United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Youth League has officially recognized Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the region’s political spokesperson, issuing a sharp rebuke to Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.
The youth leaders, addressing a press briefing in Embu on Saturday, called on Gachagua to “stop masquerading” as the region’s kingpin, stating the recent Mbeere North by-election served as a definitive “referendum” on leadership.
“The people spoke loudly, and they chose Prof. Kithure Kindiki,” declared Peterson Merichi, Chairman of the Mt. Kenya UDA Youth League. “This was not just a by-election; it was a referendum on who Mt. Kenya trusts to steer its political future.”
The group pointed to the victory of Leonard Wa Muthende, the candidate openly backed by DP Kindiki, over Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who was supported by Gachagua. They described the outcome as a “direct endorsement” and a decisive statement delivered “vote by vote” on the region’s preferred leader.
Merichi dismissed Gachagua’s mobilization efforts, accusing him of fostering unnecessary division. “Any individual posturing and masquerading as the Mt. Kenya kingpin without the people’s mandate is misleading the public,” he stated, emphasizing that regional stability hinges on respecting the electorate’s will.
Beyond the regional rivalry, the youth leaders celebrated 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 stabilizer 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 targeted 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 colors must return home, recommit, or honorably 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 challenge escalates the simmering tension within the Mt. Kenya political scene, setting the stage for a protracted struggle for control of the vital voting bloc.
