Since indipendence the Mt. Kenya region has been known of speaking in one voice during general elections. This region which mostly comprises of the Kikuyu communityis popularly known of giving 100% support to the person who they consider their kingpin or who has been given concession by their kingpin. This history has repeated itself from ithe first president to the fourth president.
Before indipendence the Mt. Kenya region considered Kamau wa Ngengi who was commonly knnown as Mzee Jomo Kenyatta to be the region Kingpin. This was due to the contribution he made in ensuring that the country gained indipendence. After the mission was accomplished Mzee Jomo Kenyatta ascended into the helm of presidency. This was the first time that the region rallied behind their own.
After the death of Mzee the son of Nginga, the region rallied behind Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi whio was popularly known as Nyayo. This was not only because he was the vice president but also because they considered him to be the best shot and selection for their kingpin. They argued that if Kenyatta was to "annoit" a person he would have chosen Nyayo. President became so populr that KANU which was his party ad its root to the children in the region. These children knew even the symbol of the party which was a cock (Jogoo) and its sign was the pointing finger. His presidency lasted for 40 years until he retired in 2002.
After the retirement of President Moi, the region went behind their own Mwai Kibaki. Kibaki hailed from Othaya which is in Central Kenya, the heart of Mt. Kenya region. The reason for the fallout between Nyayo and the region was the wide spread allegations of dictatorship being exercised by his government. These allegations caused a coalation between Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki who led the revolution together with the likes of Matiba which began as early as 1992 during the fight for multiparty democracy. The reign of the third president ran for for ten years.
Thie community was fully behind Mwai Kibaki despite his fallout with Raila Odinga . Their fallout led to their split during the 2007 general elections which led to the most ugly state in the country history, the Post Election Violence. This led to a Grand Coalition Government..This PEV almost created a fault between the region and the rest of the country. Despite all these problems the region went behind their own 100%.
After the 10 years of Kibaki's rule, then came the son of the first president Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. The community wentfully behind himnot only because he was one of then but also because they believed that he was their savior in times the communities faced challenges. The community also rallied and gave support to the son of Kamau Ngengi during his trial in Hague. This trial brought together Uhuru and Ruto who were clensed and bonded to form the coalition that would be in the helm for ten years
The 2022 elections was the unique one as the region was divided by half with one section behind the then president and the other section being behind his deputy president. This rift gave rise to names like tugeges and tangatanga. Despite the rift the deputy was able to clinch to presidency. This region has continued to experience a rift even after the conclusion of the general elections.
The question that arise is where did the rubber meet the road? was the Kingpin unable to give guidance to the community? will the region ever come back together again?
In my opinion there is need aa need for unity between the Kikuyu community. Despite who you supported let the unity of the community be a priority. Blame game will widen the gap and the unity of the region which every other community envied will be long gone before we know it. And for the kingpin of the region this is your moment to exercise your leadership skills. I will challenge you to know of a way to unite the region. This cotinued fight with your fellow leaders and a fight for supremacy doesnt benefit those whom you lead.