The frontline battle for the 2027 General Election in Mt Kenya region is beginning to take shape, with President William Ruto and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua emerging as the main contenders.
Both camps are hardening their strategies, with President Ruto aiming to retain the region that gave him 87 percent of its votes in 2022, while Mr Gachagua insists the region should embrace a new candidate in 2027.
President Ruto’s efforts are being coordinated by his Deputy, Prof Kithure Kindiki, who is tasked with developing a winning formula for the duel, now 18 months away.
President William Ruto and Deputy President Prof Kindiki Kithure arrive for a meeting with grassroots leaders from Murang'a County at State House, Nairobi on September 12, 2025.
Photo credit: PCS
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is backing Dr Fred Matiang’i as another potential contender in Mt Kenya, but his network is yet to be clearly defined. For now, it is largely a contest between President Ruto and Mr Gachagua.
Rather than a direct presidential contender, Mr Gachagua is increasingly positioning himself as a kingmaker, appearing to mobilise the Mt Kenya political ground in preparation to hand over support to a candidate outside the region.
“We break for this festive season with a clear picture of our opposition being President Ruto and his loyalists. Come 2026, we will revisit the momentum that aims at total annihilation in the 2027 ballot, to our advantage,” he recently stated.
In Murang'a County—the cradle of the Agikuyu community—Lands CS Alice Wahome has declared she is leading the charge for President Ruto, targeting over 620,000 votes.
“I am taking charge of President Ruto’s reelection in Murang’a and will call out those pretending to support us but who are actually saboteurs,” she said in Kandara constituency on December 13, 2025.
Countering her for Mr Gachagua is a team led by Senator Joe Nyutu and Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro. Maragua MP Mary wa Maua, however, expressed confidence in Ruto’s camp sayng: “Murang’a will be a walkover for President Ruto. We have a serious team, including some yet-to-declare leaders currently seen as fence-sitters.”
In Kirinyaga County, Governor Anne Waiguru has declared she will lead the push for over 375,000 votes to President Ruto. She also cryptically noted, “No seat is reserved for men,” suggesting possible interest in the running mate slot.
Countering her for Mr Gachagua are Kirinyga Senator Kamau Murango, Baragwi MCA David Mathenge and Woman Rep Njeri Maina, who are determined to secure the area for the DCP. Kirinyaga also hosts Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, an affiliate of the United Opposition.
In Embu County, President Ruto’s UDA chair Cecily Mbarire is teaming up with Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku for the 335,000 votes. Mr Gachagua’s challengers include Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, former Senator Lenny Kivuti and Democratic Party boss Justin Muturi. The November 27, 2025, Mbeere North by-election, which saw government-backed candidates win 46 percent against 54 percent for others, indicates a closely contested battle.
In Tharaka Nithi County, with 232,000 votes, Prof Kindiki has positioned himself as Ruto’s Mt Kenya kingpin while Mr Gachagua claims the mantle as a former elected Deputy President who was unjustly removed from office.
Meru County will see Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Mûrungi lead Ruto’s push for nearly 775,000 votes, while Mr Gachagua’s side will be reinforced by former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi. Both sides are trying to win over former governor Kawira Mwangaza, who despite being impeached, remains a key political influencer.
Laikipia’s 263,000 votes will be contested between Ruto’s East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Mr Gachagua’s pointwoman Cate Waruguru.
Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru is among leaders spreading the ‘village’ slogan.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Nyeri County, Mr Gachagua’s home base, is shaping up as a David versus Goliath duel, with Dr Ruto deploying Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, assisted by Chinga MCA Kiruga Thuku to counter Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a key Gachagua ally.
Nakuru’s 1.1 million votes are being contested by Governor Susan Kihika and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui for Ruto, facing off with Mr Gachagua’s camp led by Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, DCP strategist Dr Peter Mbae and Secretary General Simon Sangale.
In Nairobi, home to over 2.4 million voters, Mr Gachagua has allied with Wiper Patriotic Front boss Kalonzo Musyoka, while Governor Johnson Sakaja is working to secure the capital for President Ruto.
Mr Gachagua’s allies in the city, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, insist they aim to lose fewer than 100,000 votes to Ruto.
In Nyandarua, the battle for 321,000 votes will see Woman Repr4sentative Faith Gitau support Ruto, while Senator John Methu seeks to deliver the county to Gachagua. Mr Gachagua has complained about pressure to sway Mr Methu, who insists he remains loyal to the United Opposition.
Lamu County’s 81,000 votes are also becoming a battleground due to an influx of Gema communities. Lamu Woman Rep Muthoni Marubu, together with outgoing Governor Issa Timamy, is working to deliver the county for Ruto, while Mr Gachagua has dispatched Josphat Musembi, backed by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, to strengthen his position.
In Kiambu County, home to 1.3 million voters and a possible Jubilee Party stronghold, Ruto’s team includes Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, IT CS William Kabogo, and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a. Mr Gachagua’s allies comprise Senator Karungo Thangwa, New Gema Chairman Isaac Mungai, Gospel artist Ben Githae, Juja MP Peter Koimburi, former Thika Town MP Wainaina wa Jungle, former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, and women leader Mercy Nungari.
Mr Kiunjuri, coordinator of Ruto’s Mt Kenya working teams, said plans to disorganize the opposition are already advanced.
“We will dismantle Mr Gachagua’s attack lines and, where possible, poach strong opposition candidates to our side. Some vocal politicians currently attacking the President are actually planted by us. That is why the UDA is not taking disciplinary action against them—they will cross over at the critical moment,” he said.
