As Plot To Remove Governor Kihika Gains Momentum
By The Weekly Vision Team
As politicians develop fresh formations in anticipation of the 2027 elections, reports of backstabbing have emerged, especially in the Mount Kenya region. The reported squabbles, power games, and supremacy battles over who should be President William Ruto’s running mate in the next elections are already taking shape in the region, with top politicians publicly taking sides by declaring support for their preferred man for the number two slot.
What is coming out now is that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagwa may not necessarily be William Ruto’s automatic choice for the race if the current political events are anything to go by. Politicians from Murang’a County have come out openly in support of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as President Ruto’s running mate in 2027; the matter has generated serious political heat in the Mount Kenya region.
Pundits, however, say that President Ruto could be the one sponsoring such a debate to give himself leeway when he finally decides to drop Mr Gachagua as his number two. Analysts say Mr Nyoro’s early embankment on the 2027 running mate debate has divided the Mount Kenya region. According to analysts, the public declaration and demand by Gatanga MP Edward Wakili Muriu and Muranga Senator Joe Nyutu to give President Ruto an ultimatum that he must drop Mr Gachagua for Mr Nyaro as his running mate in 2027 and that if the president fails, then they will oppose him in 2027 speak great political volumes.
Pundits say politicians from Murang’a want to strategically place Mr Nyoro as Ruto’s successor in 2032. It is worth noting that a majority of Mount Kenya elected leaders have endorsed Mr Nyoro, claiming that President Ruto’s prospects for re-election could face challenges if he maintains Mr Gachagua as his deputy. It is worth noting that Mr Nyoro, a close ally of President Ruto, has frequently been mentioned as a potential candidate for the 2032 presidential bid; his support has come from some powerful quarters within the Mount Kenya region.
During a memorial service to the mother of gospel artist Ngaruiya Junior, Public Service CS Moses Kuria said that Mount Kenya leaders should mentor younger leaders instead of punishing them. Kuria said that Mr Ndindi Nyoro should be supported instead of being fought politically.
Analysts say politicians from Murang’a believe that Kiambu and Nyeri counties owe them a political debt, which must be paid by making Mr Nyoro William Ruto’s DP in the 2027 presidential race. The leaders claim they supported Kiambu County during the late President Jomo Kenyatta and his son, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s, reigns. They also add that they supported Mwai Kibaki for two teams and that it is high time the two counties reciprocated by supporting Mr Nyoro, who hails from Muranga.
As the supremacy battle between Mr Gachagua and Mr Nyoro takes centre stage, it has also emerged that Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has come under siege, with several Mount Kenya politicians plotting her ouster in the forthcoming 2027 elections. Kihika, according to sources well-versed in Nakuru politics, could become a one-term governor if the current unfolding political scenario is anything to go by. She has been facing serious leadership challenges in her backyard.
Last week, she was heckled, humiliated, and forced to cut short her speech in Nakuru in front of President Ruto. The heckling was so intense that she was forced to cut short her speech, and even attempts by the president to calm the charged crowd failed. This is the second time she has been heckled before the president. She blames it on her political detractors, whom she claims are plotting her downfall. It is also worth noting that Kihika’s political history could be similar to the famous story of Simon Makonde.
Kihika’s political career began when former President Uhuru Kenyatta lobbied for her to be elected Speaker of the Nakuru County Assembly. In the 2027 election, it was Uhuru who again campaigned for him to clinch the senatorial seat, and in the last elections, she abandoned Uhuru Kenyatta for William Ruto and won the gubernatorial race. She is now blaming her political woes on Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja of Keroche and former Nakuru MP Kimani Ngunjiri.
