“When Did Kibaki Ever Call Himself a Kingpin?” – Kindiki Fires Back at Mt. Kenya Succession Scramble
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took a sharp aim at politicians preoccupied with the Mt. Kenya succession debate, dismissing leaders who have labeled themselves as regional “kingpins.”
Speaking during a forum at State House on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Kindiki argued that the political stronghold has a history of producing legendary figures who never felt the need to claim such titles for themselves. He pointed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Mwai Kibaki as prime examples of leaders who focused on governance rather than self-appointed titles.
“I have been in politics for a short time, and we have had prominent leaders before. Of those leaders, none of them came to boast to us the way some others are doing now,” Kindiki stated. “We had Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta. When did you hear Uhuru or Kibaki declare themselves leaders of our community?”
Kindiki maintained that powerful titles like the ones Uhuru held were bestowed by the people, not manufactured by the politicians themselves. He urged those currently vying for regional dominance to shift their focus toward service delivery, suggesting that a leader’s track record carries more weight than any boastful claim.
“Let the work speak. Let one’s work speak for itself,” Kindiki remarked.
During the meeting between President William Ruto and grassroots leaders from Kirinyaga County, the Deputy President also insisted that visitors show respect to Governor Anne Waiguru and other local officials. He told the gathering that anyone touring Kirinyaga or the wider Central region must acknowledge the mandate of the elected leaders, including Members of Parliament and MCAs.
“Those who tour Kirinyaga and Central should respect leaders from Kirinyaga. Respect Waiguru, our MPs and our MCAs,” the DP asserted.
Governor Waiguru backed this stance, expressing confidence that the Mt. Kenya region remains firmly behind President Ruto for the 2027 elections. She reminded the audience of their past political successes as a sign of what to expect in the next cycle.
“If we managed the 2017 one and also the 2022 one, will this one of 2027 defeat us?” the governor posed.
These remarks followed recent comments from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who brushed off suggestions that he sought to be crowned the regional kingpin. In a late April interview, Gachagua clarified that his focus remains entirely on the presidency rather than informal regional titles.
“There is no position of kingpin enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya,” Gachagua said. “I am only interested in the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya. If there is anybody interested in taking the Mt Kenya kingpin seat, let them, but I have no interest in it.”
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