The campaign for Mount Kenya East to produce a presidential candidate in 2032 is gathering momentum, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa backing calls for regional unity and political reciprocity.

Cecily Mbarire- Governor Embu County

Speaking at a UDA grassroots leaders’ sensitisation forum in Embu County, Ichung’wa said cohesion within the Mount Kenya region would be crucial ahead of the next decade’s elections. He urged leaders and residents to rally behind Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, describing him as a unifying leader for the entire region.

“Prof. Kindiki is a leader for all of Mount Kenya, and that is why many people are rallying behind him,” Ichung’wa said.

The Kikuyu MP criticised leaders he accused of fuelling division and hatred, warning that such actions undermine regional solidarity and national stability. He said leaders must promote unity rather than personal political interests.

On the economy, Ichung’wa called for a move away from heavy reliance on borrowing, noting that Kenya has continued to finance both recurrent and development expenditure through loans—an approach he said is unsustainable.

He proposed the creation of a national infrastructure fund to mobilise public and private capital, arguing that limited fiscal space has slowed the rollout of key development projects.

“We need new financing models that will allow us to deliver development and move the country towards a first-world economy,” he said.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the UDA national chairperson, echoed the unity call, saying Mount Kenya East deserves an opportunity to produce national leadership. She criticised continued attempts by some individuals to divide the region.

Other leaders present at the forum included Embu Woman Representative Njoki Wanjiru and Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi, who stressed the importance of grassroots mobilisation and party cohesion in shaping the region’s political future.

The sensitisation forum brought together UDA grassroots leaders from across Embu County and focused on strengthening party unity, leadership alignment, and long-term political strategy.

The renewed unity push comes amid internal political tensions. A day earlier, Democracy for the Citizens Party national organising secretary Mithika Linturi criticised Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Governor Mbarire over claims that Mount Kenya East was planning to politically separate from Mount Kenya West.

Linturi accused leaders from the region of remaining silent as Mount Kenya faces growing political uncertainty and questioned Ruku’s authority to speak on behalf of the region.