The political scene in Mount Kenya has become a battlefield, with President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seemingly engaged in a subtle power struggle for control of the region’s political kingship.
This fight for dominance is poised to shape not only the region’s future but also Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the heart of the conflict is Gachagua’s growing dissatisfaction with Ruto’s inner circle, which he accuses of undermining his influence and promoting division within the region.
Gachagua’s allies claim that the Deputy President is being sidelined as the administration favors younger leaders, potentially setting the stage for Ruto to choose a different running mate in 2027.
Mount Kenya has historically been a solid voting bloc, contributing significantly to Ruto’s victory in 2022.
However, discontent has been brewing as Gachagua’s camp argues that the region has not reaped the expected benefits from its support for Ruto.
They cite unfavorable taxation measures and a lack of development projects as key grievances.
During a past church service in Kieni, Gachagua warned that the region risks losing its political clout if internal divisions persist.
“The mountain must unite, or we will regret it,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of cohesion in maintaining Mount Kenya’s influence on the national stage.
Political analysts, such as Albert Kasembeli, have noted the increasingly visible power struggle between Ruto and Gachagua.
Kasembeli suggests that while Ruto is keen on maintaining loyalty among the MPs who supported his 2022 campaign, Gachagua is simultaneously building his own political base, preparing for the 2027 polls.
“Both leaders are trying to consolidate control,” Kasembeli said, “but their methods and end goals seem to be diverging.”
Gachagua’s efforts to strengthen his influence include attempts to reconcile with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, despite their bitter fallout during the 2022 election campaign.
Gachagua recently made a public appeal for forgiveness in Limuru, asking Uhuru to move past old grievances. This move is seen as a strategic effort to bring the region’s leaders together under his leadership.
Despite these efforts, Gachagua faces resistance from key allies of President Ruto within the region, such as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kimani Ichungwa , and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
These figures have emerged as potential successors to Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate in the next election.
On the other hand, Gachagua has found loyal allies in figures like Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu), Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, who have become his staunch defenders against perceived attempts to diminish his political standing.
Tensions between the two camps have escalated, with accusations of incitement and smear campaigns flying between Ruto and Gachagua’s supporters.
The friction reached a boiling point when former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri accused Ruto’s close allies, including Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and MP Oscar Sudi, of leading a campaign to discredit Gachagua.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya echoed these sentiments, claiming that the goal is to position MP Ndindi Nyoro as a more suitable running mate for Ruto in 2027.
President Ruto’s silence on the matter has only fueled speculation, with analysts interpreting his quiet stance as tacit approval of his allies’ actions.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, in an interview with Inooro TV, downplayed the divisions, but questioned Gachagua’s approach, suggesting the Deputy President should focus on governance rather than political activism.
The stakes are high as the Mount Kenya region’s political future hangs in the balance. Gachagua’s bid to consolidate power within the region could either bolster his standing or deepen the divisions within the ruling party.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, both Ruto and Gachagua are likely to intensify their efforts to secure dominance over the region, and in doing so, will shape the trajectory of Kenyan politics for years to come.
