Mt Kenya unity talks take centre stage as Kanini Kega meets Governor Kahiga
The journey towards uniting Mt Kenya region is taking shape as leaders from different political divides vow to work together after a divisive general election.
Unity talks took centre at a consultative meeting between Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega on Friday, November 25.
The leaders met at Governor Kahiga's office where they vowed to work together towards uniting the central region for economic growth.
Addressing the press after the meeting, the duo affirmed that the journey to uniting Mt Kenya leaders regardless of political affiliations had started.
"The journey to unite the mountain has just started and we are not turning back. I'm urging the governor to also reach out to all other leaders both elected and those who lost to walk together in order to develop the region," Kega said.
Kega, who is also the Director of Elections in the Jubilee party, said people must not view their unity talks with leaders in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party with suspicion, noting that they will remain in their respective parties.
He insisted that the unity talks are anchored on the economic gains of the region.
"We want to say here that we will remain in our respective parties at the moment. For now, we must put politics aside as the electioneering period is already gone and now we must work for economic growth, politics will come later," he said.
Kega also stated that leaders from the Mountain had set aside their differences and will rally behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who he said is the senior most politician in the region.
"As leaders election is now water under the bridge we are aware that the next polls will be in five years so we are using this time to speak in one voice and ensure all projects that were initiated under President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration are completed by Kenya kwanza administration," he added.
The former Kieni MP also thanked Kenya Kwanza leaders, who supported his bid for EALA saying that they played a big role in his win at the National Assembly, days after he alleged betrayal from Azimo la Umoja - One Kenya coalition-allied MPs.
Mt Kenya unity initiative
On his part, Kahiga said that the meeting is just the start of a bigger initiative to unite the region. He promised to reach out to everyone to ensure they succeed.
"So far we have made contacts with former governors Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) and Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru) we will ensure everyone is on board for the unity to succeed," Kahiga quipped.
Kahiga said the region's unity will be under the stewardship of Gachagua and is aimed at helping President William Ruto's administration deliver on its manifesto.
"Let no one say that we have the intention of creating two centres of power we will unite and support the Ruto government for them to achieve their manifesto," he added.
He also called upon the Meru leadership to iron out their wrangles, saying the divisions will only lead to destabilising the growth of the county.
