Tensions are brewing in Embu County, and it’s no longer behind closed doors.
On Tuesday, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki met with several elected leaders from Embu at his Karen residence in Nairobi. The gathering, meant to review national development projects and support for key cash crops, was notable for one thing — the absence of the county’s top official.
Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also chairs the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), did not attend.
The DP said discussions focused on the progress of national government projects in the region. These include agricultural efforts targeting tea, coffee, milk, macadamia, and miraa — locally known as muguka. He described the talks as “constructive and focused on the interests of the people of Embu.”
Those in attendance included Senator Alexander Mundigi, Woman Representative Njoki Njeru, and MPs Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes) and Eng. Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South). Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also joined the meeting.
But the absence of Governor Mbarire has not gone unnoticed, especially after her fiery speech during the recent Madaraka Day celebrations.
Speaking at Makima Primary School in Mbeere, the Governor accused unnamed senior government officials of secretly plotting to undermine her authority.
“These officials who are in government are disrespecting me and they should stop,” Mbarire told a cheering crowd. “I will not sit back and watch as backroom political deals are made behind my back.”
According to Mbarire, meetings have been taking place in Embu without her knowledge or involvement — meetings that, she claims, aim to decide the county’s political future without consulting the people’s elected governor.
“I will not allow anyone, regardless of their position in government, to sabotage or bypass my leadership,” she said. “Planning political activities for Embu without involving elected leaders is totally disrespectful.”
The Governor did not name names, but her remarks suggest a growing rift between national officials and local leadership in the UDA stronghold.
So far, neither the Deputy President nor any of the officials who attended the meeting have publicly responded to Mbarire’s concerns. The Governor also declined to comment further when reached by phone.
Political analysts say the unfolding drama could be an early sign of internal power struggles ahead of the 2027 general election.
“For a party that prides itself on unity, this is not a good look,” said political commentator David Mugo. “If leaders are working at cross-purposes, it weakens the very foundation they claim to be building.”
For now, the people of Embu are watching. And so is the rest of the country.
