Kithure Kindiki’s Irunduni home emerges as new Mt Kenya power centre

A few months ago, Kithure Kindiki’s Irunduni home was just another dusty outpost in Mukothima, Tharaka-Nithi County.

But since the elevation of Prof Kithure Kindiki to Deputy President, Irunduni — his rural home — has been transformed into a hub of political activity at the heart of Kenya’s power play.

Here, strategies are being crafted and tested in what is seen as rivalling Wamunyoro village, the former stronghold of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

After his removal in October last year, Mr Gachagua shifted political operations to his Mathira backyard, where he regularly hosted leaders from across the country.

Today, however, the spotlight has shifted to Irunduni, where Prof Kindiki is spearheading efforts to consolidate the vote-rich Mt Kenya region and weaken Mr Gachagua’s political grip. Delegates stream in daily, making the once-quiet village unusually busy.

“We are happy that our son has put our village on the national map. We have even been promised a tarmac road to his home,” said resident Patrick Mugao.

Over the past three months, Prof Kindiki has hosted more than 20,000 people from the region — including youth, women, artists, professionals and small-scale traders. Notably, most meetings have been held without politicians, a deliberate move to complement elected leaders’ efforts elsewhere.

“I have attended some forums and they are meant to capture raw concerns from citizens and fast-track solutions,” said Mr Mugao.

During these sessions, Prof Kindiki pitches President William Ruto’s agenda while assuring residents that government promises will be delivered.

On August 27, while addressing over 3,000 women at his Irunduni home, he said he would personally take responsibility for government projects in his home county.

Deputy President Kithure Kindinki during a consultative meeting with MPs from Laikipia, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi on March 13, 2025.

“Going forward, do not ask your MPs about road projects. I will be answerable for every project undertaken by the national government here in Tharaka-Nithi,” he said, adding that his county would benefit from multi-billion shilling investments, including the revival of stalled roads.

Projects lined up include the Keeria–Magutuni–Kathwana, Kibugua–Itugururu, Kaanwa–Kamutiria–Mariani, Marimanti–Ura Gate, Miomponi–Turima Tweru–Mukothima–Gatunga, and Turima Tweru–Nkondi–Gatunga roads.

He further urged residents not to drag him into local succession battles.

“I plead with you to allow me to focus on national politics. My backyard should focus on praying and supporting us. I will not involve myself in endorsing who will be elected to what position. Those who lose, I will secure them positions in the national government,” the deputy president said.

On August 29, during a consultative meeting with grassroots women leaders from Kirinyaga County, Prof Kindiki announced that Kenyans would soon benefit from free outpatient services under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).

Residents of Irunduni village in Tharaka-Nithi County celebrate the nomination of Prof Kithure Kindiki for the position of Deputy President on October 18, 2024.

“The government has appropriated Sh22 billion in this year’s budget to cover outpatient medical bills. So far, 25.8 million Kenyans are enrolled. We are working towards covering all 55 million Kenyans,” he said, acknowledging initial implementation challenges but assuring they were being resolved.

Since Mr Gachagua’s impeachment, some MPs allied to him have faced hostility in the region. Prof Kindiki pledged to shield legislators from political backlash.

At the same time, he warned against attempts to use violence to control Mt Kenya politics.

“We will not allow violence. People should compete on ideas. Looting and torching property is not our culture. We are builders, not destroyers,” he declared.

The DP’s outreach is being reinforced by a caucus of government officials from Mt Kenya led by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.

Speaking at a meeting in Kirinyaga, Ms Muthoni dismissed claims that the region is being sidelined, saying President Ruto remains committed to the promises he made during the 2022 campaigns.

“Our people voted for the President, and he has kept his word. The Mountain is firmly in government, and your representatives are working in your best interests,” she said.

The caucus of about 30 officials from various ministries has been holding public engagement sessions across the region to explain ongoing projects and reassure residents of their central place in the Kenya Kwanza government.