The political landscape in Mount Kenya is heating up as key leaders vie for dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, and NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua are among the prominent figures locked in a fierce battle for the region’s rich vote bank.
With each leader laying claim to the mantle of Mt. Kenya’s political kingpin or what is popularly known as Jamba ya Ruriri, the region’s rich vote base is becoming the focal point of their ambitions.
Political analysts warn that the competing ambitions of Gachagua, Kuria, Karua, and other leaders could lead to a fragmented Mt. Kenya, weakening the region’s political clout.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the senior-most politician in the Mt. Kenya region, has been actively consolidating his influence.
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As the deputy leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA),the ruling party, Gachagua has reached out to former critics, advocating for unity among Mt. Kenya leaders.
His calls for cohesion were echoed during a recent funeral in Kiambu, where he urged the region’s politicians to stop infighting and focus on delivering campaign promises.
“Leaders should stop politicking and focus on working on reforming agriculture sector and infrastructure development. We must unite for the sake of development and work together. The unity that we have been calling for in this region (Mt Kenya) is for purposes of pushing for development interests. Date of the next election is known, so for now let us work for the people,” he said.
Political analyst Edwi Kamau has told Tukio.co.ke that “the battle for control of Mt. Kenya is heating up, and the region risks losing its unified voice if these leaders cannot find a way to work together.”
He said that its high time for leaders to unite ad speak in one voice despite the position each one is currently holding.
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““The Mount Kenya region is witnessing a realignment of political forces that could reshape the national political landscape. The rivalry between Gachagua, Kuria, and Karua reflects broader trends in Kenyan politics, where regional kingpins play a crucial role in determining the outcome of elections.” he said.
He noted that the Mount Kenya region, traditionally a key battleground in Kenyan politics, is now the center of a complex web of competing interests.
Gachagua as senior most politician has repeatedly stated his commitment to the region, drawing on analogies like the story of a rabbit tricking a hyena to emphasize the dangers of internal discord.
On the other hand, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s recent announcement that he intends to run for president has added a new layer of complexity to the Mt. Kenya political dynamics.
After his ouster from the Cabinet, Kuria has held meetings with various political figures, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, signaling a potential alliance with opposition forces.
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“I strongly trust that God will make me the current Mt Kenya kingpin and the 6th President of the Republic of Kenya,” Kuria posted on his X account.
Kuria’s declaration of his intention to become the next Mt. Kenya kingpin and the 6th President of Kenya highlights his ambition to reclaim political relevance.
His public exchange with Gachagua, in which he expressed confidence in his political future, suggests a possible reconciliation between the two former rivals.
However, Kuria’s presidential bid could also intensify the competition within Mt. Kenya, particularly as Gachagua works to solidify his own position.
Martha Karua, the Narc-Kenya party leader and 2022 running mate to Raila Odinga, remains a formidable figure in Mt. Kenya politics.
Despite her loss in the last election, Karua has continued to work closely with Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and other leaders within the opposition.
Her recent move to exit the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition signals her intention to chart a new political path ahead of 2027.
Karua’s influence in the region is bolstered by her steadfast opposition to the current administration, making her a rallying point for those dissatisfied with the status quo.
While Gachagua and Kuria focus on consolidating their positions, Karua’s strategy appears to be one of building alliances and maintaining her status as a key opposition figure in Mt. Kenya.
Former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth and Mwangi Wa Iria, though quieter in recent months, still hold influence in the region.
Their eventual alignment could tip the scales in favor of one of the competing factions. Kenneth’s past experience as a presidential candidate and his reputation as a moderate voice make him a potential kingmaker in the unfolding political drama.
