On Friday, May 17, Mt Kenya leaders held a significant meeting, known as Limuru III, at Kabuku to discuss the region’s political and economic future. A key resolution from the gathering was to retain former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the region’s political leader, or kingpin, as they prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Key Participants
The meeting saw attendance from various prominent figures including:
- Martha Karua: NARC-Kenya party leader
- Jeremiah Kioni: Jubilee Secretary General
- Gathoni Wamuchomba: Githunguri MP
- Ndiritu Muriithi: Former Laikipia governor
- Ferdinand Waititu: Former Kiambu governor
Key Resolutions and Discussions at Limuru III Meeting
- Retention of Uhuru Kenyatta as Kingpin:
- The leaders unanimously agreed to continue recognizing Uhuru Kenyatta as the Mt Kenya kingpin until he decides to step down. This decision underscores his pivotal role and influence in the region’s politics.
- Call for Unity and Collaboration:
- The leaders emphasized the need for unity regardless of political affiliations. They urged both Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Uhuru Kenyatta to convene a meeting to chart a unified direction for Mt Kenya ahead of the next elections.
- Reflection on BBI:
- Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago reflected on the region’s failure to back Uhuru during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), highlighting its potential benefits for the region under the “one man, one shilling, one vote” policy.
- Commitment to Collective Interests:
- The meeting’s participants stressed the importance of prioritizing the collective political and economic interests of the Mt Kenya region. They acknowledged Uhuru’s efforts and contributions to the region during his presidency.
Statements from Leaders
- Wachira Kiago: He noted that Uhuru always stood with the Mt Kenya people and had advocated for the BBI to secure the region’s future.
- George Maara: He reiterated that there was no intention to install a new kingpin, affirming Uhuru Kenyatta’s continued leadership and stating that any transition of leadership would be at Uhuru’s discretion.
Future Plans
Jeremiah Kioni, the meeting’s moderator, mentioned that although Uhuru was not involved in this particular meeting, there are plans to organize another gathering that would include all Mt Kenya leaders, including Uhuru, to further discuss the region’s future.
This decision reflects the leaders’ recognition of Uhuru Kenyatta’s enduring influence and their commitment to maintaining a cohesive strategy for the region moving forward.
