Ndia MP George Kariuki has positioned himself as a possible new centre of power in Mt Kenya, seeking to exploit divisions between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Kariuki has opened his Gacharu home in Kirinyaga county to political delegations as he begins a three-month consultation that he says will culminate in a declaration on his political future and the direction of the region.
The legislator, a strong supporter of President William Ruto, said he would first consult leaders from Mt Kenya before extending the exercise to other parts of the country.
“I’ll have served the people of Ndia for 10 years by 2027. Am I not fit for a bigger role? Can’t I play national politics?” Kariuki asked while hosting women grassroots leaders from Ndia and Othaya.
His remarks have fuelled speculation that he could emerge as a Ruto pointman in Mt Kenya West and potentially pursue a national position, including the deputy presidency, although he has not declared the seat he intends to seek.
Kariuki said he had previously considered running for Kirinyaga governor but now believed his ambitions could stretch beyond the county.
He dismissed Gachagua and Kindiki as potential leaders of the region, accusing them of failing to demonstrate the leadership needed to unite Mt Kenya.
“Neither Gachagua nor Kindiki has the ability, in my opinion, to run the affairs of this region the right way. I don’t see it in any of them,” he said.
Kariuki also opposed attempts to divide Mt Kenya into East and West blocs, saying this would weaken the region’s bargaining power.
“We want one region, one people and one nation,” he said.
He said the region must negotiate from a position of strength and determine what it wants from the next administration.
“I want to listen to the people before I make a decision. We have to consult widely and agree on the direction we want to take as a region and as a country,” he said.
