Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday launched his clearest political appeal yet to consolidate the Mt Kenya vote behind President William Ruto.
He declared that the region's future lies with the Kenya Kwanza administration, while urging residents to reject leaders he accused of seeking to divide the vote.
The DP made the call during the 36th anniversary thanksgiving service of the ACK Diocese of Embu at Kigari Teachers Training College on Sunday.
He urged residents to remain united behind Ruto's re-election bid while positioning the region for leadership beyond the 2027 General Election.
"I want us to have a conversation with our people. After William Ruto, ni sisi. Ile team nyingine tuko number 20, tutafikiwa after 200 years. We must have an honest conversation," Kindiki said.
Without naming his rivals, the Deputy President dismissed competing political camps and insisted that Mt Kenya should remain united instead of speaking with different political voices.
"We have not seen anything yet. We are one people. We don't want to speak different languages. There is nothing that can divide us. I will unite the people of Mt Kenya region and will not allow attempts to scuttle the unity of our communities. We are one community, one Kenya," he said.
The remarks come amid an intense battle for political influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 election, with rival camps seeking to sway one of the country's most critical voting blocs.
Kindiki portrayed himself as the defender of the region's unity, saying politicians attempting to split Mt Kenya would not succeed.
"I come from this region, and I do not want our communities to be divided. We are one people. I do not want to see our community speaking in different voices," he said.
"Those who think they will bring confusion to Mt Kenya by making people speak in different voices and dividing them should relax. They should know that the Deputy President is the fireman and I will ensure that our entire community walks together."
He maintained that Kenya Kwanza leaders would seek re-election on the basis of their development record rather than political rhetoric.
"Next year, the people will cast their votes. What will save the President, the Deputy President, governors, Members of Parliament and all leaders is the work they have done for the people, not the noise being made," Kindiki said.
He also projected confidence in Ruto's re-election prospects.
"If we won when President Uhuru Kenyatta was in The Hague with President William Ruto, then next year is a small matter. Pray only for good health and God's favour. The rest is easy," he said.
Kindiki appealed for restraint in national politics, saying leaders should avoid actions that deepen divisions and instead safeguard the country's unity.
"This is our country, and whenever we have disagreements, let us exercise moderation because there is tomorrow. Let us not destroy relationships that have been built over centuries because of temporary issues," he said.
"We are together. We are one community and one country, and we have no other home to go to. We are one family, from the Coast to Western, from Northeastern to the Rift Valley and Central Kenya. Kenya is our homeland, and we must protect it, love it and live together in peace."
Kindiki also said the government values the role of the church and would continue listening to its guidance, adding that Kenya Kwanza leaders had resolved not to use church pulpits for divisive politics.
"As leaders under the leadership of President William Ruto, we have agreed that we will not use the altar to do foolish things, deliver confusing messages, destroy communities or divide people," he said.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire defended her close working relationship with the national government, saying it had translated into visible development projects across the county.
"I have no regret for working closely with the national government led by President William Ruto," Mbarire said, citing the construction of a stadium, a Sh1.2 billion market in Embu town and modern markets in Runyenjes, Ishiara and Naru Moru.
She urged residents to ignore propaganda against the government, saying its development record was evident.
