UDA MPs reject Kindiki's coronation as Mt Kenya Kingpin

Ndia MP George Kariuki, his Juja counterpart George Koimburi and Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua said the ceremony, held at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County a week ago, did not involve all elders and lacked the community's blessings.

Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with Kiama Kia Ma elders in Juja constituency, the lawmakers maintained that Uhuru, who assumed the role in 2011, remains the region's recognised leader.

They claimed the process was secretly hatched and hurriedly executed rather than following the established procedure for installing a community kingpin, arguing that the ceremony is communal rather than political and that all elders from the GEMA community should have been consulted.

Kariuki dismissed the exercise as a sham, pointing out that the ceremonial crown worn by Kindiki fell off his head during the event, which he said signalled a failed process.

"We only recognise Uhuru as the region's rightful kingpin," Kariuki said, adding that the leaders would seek the former President's blessings before any new kingpin is installed.

Koimburi, who has lately emerged as a fierce critic of the Deputy President, said the region cannot be led by someone who has been working with other government leaders to divide Mt Kenya.

He claimed Kindiki had failed to stamp his authority in the current administration, citing his apparent absence from several State functions, including President William Ruto's recent tour of the Nyanza region.

Koimburi said the time was ripe for the region to pick a strong leader who would champion its interests beyond 2027.

The MPs also faulted Kindiki over the illicit and second-generation brews that they said continue to ravage the region, claiming lives and ruining thousands of young people.

Kariuki said they would push for the enforcement of existing laws as they step up the fight against outlawed and counterfeit liquor.

Kikuyu elders led by Maina wa Kibe and Mwangi Kagumo said they were stunned to learn of the coronation through the media.

The Kiambu Kiama elders said they were not involved in the process and termed the entire exercise a sham, noting that such ceremonies are traditionally conducted in a shrine and not on a public ground. They said they pitied the Deputy President for being misled.