From left: President William Ruto, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
The Mt Kenya voting bloc is currently experiencing turmoil that could lead to a major split ahead of 2027, potentially leaving it too weak to vote President William Ruto out of power.
The region has recently appeared determined to craft a historic moment by unseating an incumbent president during a re-election bid.
With the goal of assembling about eight million voters for the 2027 General Election, five powerful factions have emerged that could fragment the area’s voting strength to the point of losing impact.
One wing is led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has since styled himself as the de facto political leader of Mt Kenya communities.
Former Impeached Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua makes his remarks during the 2nd Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture and Luncheon held at the Serena Hotel on April 11, 2025. Photo | Francis Nderitu
After his impeachment in October last year, Mr Gachagua refused to fade politically and instead rebranded himself as an opposition figure now causing headaches for President Ruto’s administration.
Mr Gachagua has directed the region to sever ties with President Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which has the majority of the area’s elected leaders. He has also announced plans to launch a Mt Kenya political party in May and use it to build alliances with other regions, with the ultimate goal of ensuring President Ruto serves only one term.
Mr Gachagua has declared that he is uniting with, among others, Wiper Democratic Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
“The president and his men have been plotting to isolate us (Mt Kenya). This has prompted me to go shopping for friends to partner with, and the positive result is that we now stand a huge chance of making the second-placed challenger lose by half of our winning tally,” Mr Gachagua said last Sunday in Maragua town, Murang’a County.
He further claimed there is a larger scheme to sponsor multiple political parties in Mt Kenya to vie for the presidency and split the vote.
“We will have many political parties pretending to be independent actors in the political discourse, but in the end, they will serve to divide Mt Kenya,” he said.
However, four other significant factions loom in the background, each capable of derailing Mr Gachagua’s agenda.
President William Ruto addresses wananchi at Kagio trading centre in Kirinyaga during the second day of his tour of Mt Kenya region on April 2, 2025.
One wing is led by President Ruto himself, who is fighting back by assembling a counter-strategy. The president and his allies, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, are currently reviewing the impact of his recent six-day development tour through Nyandarua, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, conducted between April 1 and 6, 2025.
“The president holds the edge since he is the custodian of the region’s development agenda. Mt Kenya cannot be caught up in politicking that is two and a half years away while the people want their 2022 vote honoured,” said National Assembly Majority Leader Mr Kimani Ichung’wah.
However, Mr Ichung’wah has struggled to sell the president’s agenda, facing heckling during the tour—though he downplayed the incidents as sponsored disruptions with minimal impact.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, an ally of President Ruto, acknowledged gaps in their campaign: “We need to invest more in persuasive leaders. We must use seasoned, tested people as our ground troops. We’re re-tuning our onslaught.”
Mr Kiunjuri added that despite “provocative statements” from Mr Gachagua and former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, the president has not retaliated.
“This proves the president sees us as a key pillar in his administration, especially given the 47 per cent vote Mt Kenya delivered,” Mr Kiunjuri said.
He listed recent defections to the president’s camp, including Maragua MP Mary wa Maua and Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, both of whom announced their move publically. Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru and Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba accompanied President Ruto in his Mt Kenya tour where all Gachagua loyalists kept off.
“We are just getting started. We aim to retain President Ruto’s 2022 edge in the region. We must combine persuasive messaging with actual development budgets,” he said.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during Kanja Waruru's memorial service at Ridgeways Baptist Church.
The rivalry between the Gachagua and Ruto’s camps is intensifying, but a third wing is also emerging—led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is still recognised by elders as the area’s kingpin.
Initially aligned with Mr Musyoka, Mr Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party later backed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, who has indicated his intentions to run for President.
“We are under no illusion—we must ensure President Ruto does not win a second term. The Jubilee Party firmly believes Dr Matiang’i is the right man to achieve that,” Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni stated.
Mr Kenyatta has caused unease within the government due to his unpredictable political moves, including supporting Gen Z protesters, clergy and anti-government sentiment.
“The government is shocked that Mr Kenyatta met President Ruto in Ichaweri last December but continues to support the common citizen’s aspirations for 2027,” said Mr Kioni. “This time, we won’t repeat the 2022 mistakes. Jubilee will take charge of the Mt Kenya moment.”
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Meanwhile, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is another wildcard. Once seen as Dr Ruto’s protégé, he fell out of favour after refusing to support Gachagua’s impeachment and was ousted as Budget Committee chair.
Although President Ruto recently reaffirmed his support for the youthful MP, Mr Nyoro is yet to indicate where his allegiance lies:
“Mr Nyoro remains my favourite young leader whom I’m grooming,” the president said.
But some politicians from the Kiharu MP’s backyard have said the statement does not reflect the political reality.
“Nyoro is not affiliated with any political wing. He hasn’t formed a party, has no 2027 agenda, and isn’t aligned with anyone,” Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu clarified.
Mr Nyoro had earlier said he would announce his political plans by the end of 2026.
“He’s running in the outside lane for now, focused on Kiharu and legislation. Let’s stop the rumours and respect his space,” said Kiharu women’s league leader Margaret Njambi.
Former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Justin Muturi makes his remarks during the second Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture and Luncheon at the Serena Hotel on April 11, 2025.
Another influential figure that is emerging as a force is Mr Muturi, who, after being sacked from Cabinet, has emerged as an outspoken government critic.
“Ruto is unfit to lead due to his disdain for institutions, independent thought, and expert advice,” Mr Muturi said.
Though he has declared no political ambitions for now, many believe he is preparing for a key role ahead of 2027.
Some analysts, however, said there is the possibility that Mr Gachagua, Mr Nyoro and Mr Muturi could join hands in one united bid against President Ruto.
Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Mr Wachira Kiago urged for calm in the region even as political temperatures rise: “Let democracy thrive. Let all pursue their dreams—but by 2027, we must unite behind one leader. Our unity is our strength.”
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