News16 June 2026 - 08:15

PS Wachira opposes proposal to split Mount Kenya, urges regional unity

PS Wachira said such a proposal was unacceptable.

by STAR CORRESPONDENT

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Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira has criticised Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku over remarks suggesting that the Mount Kenya region should be divided into Mount Kenya East and Mount Kenya West.

Speaking in Narumoru, Kieni Constituency, while flagging off electrification materials that will enable the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to connect 1,000 homes to electricity, Wachira said such a proposal was unacceptable.

Wachira was accompanied by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, who also called for unity within the region.

The Principal Secretary cited the administration of former President Mwai Kibaki, saying Mount Kenya East benefited from appointments to senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretaries such as Njeru Ndwiga, Kiraitu Murungi and David Mwiraria, as well as several principal secretaries and former Head of Civil Service Ambassador Francis Muthaura.

Beyond the political remarks, the event renewed hopes for more than 900 residents of Kieni Constituency, with electricity connections now expected to become a reality.

Wachira launched the Mukuri-Nganoini, Kandara, Misty/Gitero, Gatuanyaga and Kabati electrification projects.

Residents led by Anne Wanjugu welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-awaited development. She said the area had remained without electricity since independence, which had slowed development.

Wanjugu said she hopes to venture into a large-scale chicken hatchery business once the project is completed.