Kenya Kwanza leaders have ramped up political activity in the Mount Kenya region in what is seen as a strategic effort to cement support for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections. This comes days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted opposition leaders in Nyeri, signalling his continued influence in the region despite his fallout with the presidency.
Over the weekend, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and other Ruto-allied legislators gathered in Mathira, Nyeri County, for a “Bottom-Up Empowerment Day” led by local MP Eric Wamumbi. The event focused on fundraising for women’s groups, boda boda operators, and small business collectives initiatives the leaders framed as grassroots economic empowerment.
However, the gathering carried clear political undertones. Sudi, a vocal Ruto supporter, urged residents to remain loyal to the president and ignore divisive tribal politics. He also dismissed criticism that such empowerment initiatives were politically motivated, saying the administration had a right to support its constituents.
Simultaneously, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki held a separate function in Laikipia, where he disbursed compensation to wildlife attack victims and promised increased deployment of police officers and reservists to enhance regional security. He also listened to requests for infrastructure projects, including roads, electricity, and water.
These parallel events signal a deliberate attempt by the Ruto camp to counter Gachagua’s growing presence and influence in the region. Gachagua’s recent move to host opposition figures was widely seen as a message to State House that he remains a force in Mount Kenya politics.
The region, traditionally a political kingmaker, has shown signs of disillusionment with the Kenya Kwanza government, driven by economic challenges and unmet campaign promises. While government allies defend their outreach as genuine development work, critics have questioned the timing and use of state resources for what appear to be politically charged events.
As 2027 draws closer, the Mount Kenya region is emerging as a critical battleground. Both Ruto’s allies and rival power brokers are in a fierce race to win hearts and votes of a region long considered vital to winning national elections.
