Embu: The Catholic Church in Embu has expressed opposition to political calls for splitting the Mt. Kenya Region into two distinct voting blocs, warning that such a move could lead to divisions along tribal and regional lines. Bishop Peter Kimani of the Catholic Diocese of Embu emphasized the importance of unity and cautioned against rhetoric that may incite hostility and division among communities in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bishop Kimani made these remarks during a church service at St Peter’s Cathedral in Embu Town. He urged politicians to avoid creating enmity and instead focus on dialogue to unify the region. The bishop’s comments come amid a push by some political leaders from Mt. Kenya East advocating for the region to pursue its own political path, separate from Mt. Kenya West.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has defended the initiative, countering claims that Mt. Kenya East’s pursuit of an independent political voice is a tribal agenda. During a church service at Revelation Church i
n Embu Town, Mbarire asserted that Mt. Kenya East has the democratic right to chart its political course without accusations of promoting tribalism. She noted that leaders from the area have historically supported political figures from Mt. Kenya West and should now have the opportunity to represent their own interests.
However, the move has faced opposition from Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba, who claims that the region would benefit more from maintaining its traditional political alliance with Mt. Kenya West. His opposition has led to disagreements with proponents of the split, including Governor Mbarire and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, both of whom advocate for an independent political course for the region.
Governor Mbarire argues that the discussion should focus on political representation and autonomy rather than tribal issues. Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, who joined Mbarire at the church service, emphasized the political maturity of Mt. Kenya East and highlighted the importance o
f respecting Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, a key political figure in the region.
Supporters of the split emphasize that Deputy President Kindiki, hailing from Mt. Kenya East, should be respected as the region’s senior political leader, with aspirations to run for the presidency in 2032. The ongoing debate underscores the tension between political calls for greater autonomy and the church’s appeal for unity and responsible political discourse as the region prepares for the 2027 General Election.
