This archive report was first published on 21 August 2021.
On August 21, 2021, a group of Mt Kenya region leaders gathered in Laikipia county for a two-day retreat, where they clarified their stance on the 2022 presidential ambitions of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
According to Waiguru, the leaders' engagements with other national leaders were consultative in nature, and they had not settled on any particular candidate.
Waiguru emphasized that the region was open to talks with all State House hopefuls, stating, 'There has been speculation that we are leaning towards Raila Odinga, that is not true. In fact, what we are doing is consultations so whoever we think will articulate our issues is the one we will back.'
The leaders' remarks came a day after the Court of Appeal upheld the nullification of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitution amendment process, which Waiguru had previously supported.
Following the decision, Waiguru took to Twitter, suggesting a change in her political stance, saying, 'Kenya will go on. BBI intended well but we must respect the constitutional authority of the courts and find other legitimate means to achieve Kenya's unity and prosperity.'
The Mt Kenya leaders have since outlined their demands for a presidential candidate, including addressing issues affecting the region, such as farming, youth employment, and business.
As one of the leaders, Nyoro, noted, 'Most of our people are suffering after being embargoed by CRB if you look at papers of those people listed majority are from the central region with some being auctioned. This must be addressed.'
