NAIROBI, KENYA – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki held a strategic meeting with Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to address the dual challenges of forging regional unity and preparing for a slate of critical by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025. The gathering signals a concerted effort to consolidate the region's political influence and navigate the complex succession dynamics taking shape on the national stage.

The high-level consultation focused on bridging the historical political divide between Mt Kenya East (comprising Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties) and Mt Kenya West (predominantly Kikuyu-speaking counties). This long-standing division has often diluted the bloc's bargaining power. Leaders at the meeting reportedly discussed creating a unified front to articulate the region's development and political interests with a single voice, a move analysts see as pivotal for future electoral cycles.

The November 27 By-Election Battlegrounds

A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming by-elections, which will serve as a significant political litmus test. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in a gazette notice dated Friday, August 8, 2025, confirmed that numerous by-elections for National Assembly and County Assembly seats will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Among the constituencies heading to the polls is Mbeere North, a key battleground within the Mt Kenya region. Other significant contests include parliamentary seats in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Ugunja, alongside the Baringo County senatorial seat and 16 Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions across the country. These vacancies have arisen from various causes, including court nullifications and deaths of incumbents.

According to the IEBC calendar, the official campaign period for these elections commenced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and will conclude on Monday, November 24, 2025, 48 hours before polling day. Political parties were required to submit their final list of nominees by Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Kindiki's Ascendant Role and Regional Politics

Professor Kindiki's leadership in these discussions underscores his growing influence as a central figure in Mt Kenya politics. His role has become increasingly prominent, particularly following recent political realignments that have positioned him as a key liaison between the region and the national government. While the Interior CS has publicly stated his focus is on his security docket and has requested not to be dragged into succession politics, his actions are widely interpreted as strategic positioning.

The push for unity is not without its challenges. The Mt Kenya region has historically been a complex political landscape, often characterized by competing interests and personalities. The current initiative aims to overcome these historical fissures to create a more cohesive political entity. Leaders from Mt Kenya East have recently been more vocal in asserting their political identity, with some endorsing CS Kindiki as their foremost political leader. This meeting is seen as an attempt to harmonize these interests with those of the larger bloc.

The outcome of the November 27 by-elections, particularly in Mbeere North, will be a crucial indicator of the success of this new unity pact and will likely shape the region's political trajectory heading towards the next general election. The ability of the leaders to present a united front and secure victories will be a testament to the strategic groundwork being laid in high-level meetings such as the one convened by CS Kindiki.