Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has strongly condemned certain leaders she accuses of attempting to undermine her authority in Embu’s political landscape, despite being part of the same government.

Speaking with firm determination during the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Makima Primary School, Mbarire made it clear she will not tolerate covert political maneuvering carried out behind her back.

She revealed that secret nighttime meetings are being convened to plot the future of Embu politics, deliberately excluding the county’s elected officials. Without directly naming anyone, she warned that such actions will face consequences.

"There are leaders serving in government who hold late-night meetings to plan Embu’s political course without involving me or other elected representatives," Mbarire stated.

"I understand the political dynamics of this country, and I will not allow anyone, regardless of their government position, to sabotage or bypass my leadership. Organizing political plans for Embu without consulting elected leaders is completely disrespectful."

Her comments signal rising tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government as the 2027 elections approach, with clear divisions emerging at the core of Mt. Kenya’s political arena.

On Friday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki made a low-key but politically significant visit to Embu to address the increasing insecurity in the region.

Unlike past high-profile visits where local leaders, including Governor Mbarire, led mobilization and logistics, Kindiki’s recent visit appeared to follow a different pattern.

Governor Cecily Mbarire was notably absent during Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s recent visit to Embu, with insiders close to her revealing that she was unaware of the DP’s trip to the county. Surprisingly, several members of the Embu County executive, speaking anonymously to the press, admitted they had no prior knowledge of the visit.

Instead of coordinating with county leaders, Kindiki engaged directly with the local business community to rally residents ahead of the high-profile event.

Interestingly, the only elected official who accompanied Kindiki was Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, yet even he was denied the opportunity to address the crowd a rare slight for a sitting senator. Adding to the intrigue, some of Mbarire’s closest allies took to social media just before the visit, not to welcome the Deputy President, but to dismiss rumors of his arrival as mere speculation.

Mbarire’s absence from a recent breakfast meeting at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel has further fueled speculation within Kenya Kwanza political circles.

Historically, Governor Mbarire has been a key player during Kenya Kwanza visits, often personally mobilizing grassroots leaders and driving support.

This raises questions: Is Mbarire’s influence over Embu’s political scene waning? Or are senior Kenya Kwanza leaders beginning to sideline the UDA national chairperson altogether?