By The Weekly Vision Team
A clash of ideas between the Hustler and the Dynasty narrative could once again take centre stage in the coming presidential elections echoing a scenario Kenyans witnessed during the 2022 elections. Fresh efforts by a section of the Kikuyu elite to push retired president Uhuru Kenyatta’s younger brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, to contest the presidency in the coming elections will most likely elevate the narrative to front-line news once again.
A section of politicians from the Mount Kenya region have been strategizing on how to reclaim the presidency in 2027. Proponents of this idea contend that the Kikuyu community endured 24 years of political marginalization during the reign of the late President Daniel Arap Moi. They subsequently ascended to power for a decade under President Kibaki and then maintained their authority for another ten years under President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In 2022, the Kikuyu political class recognized the futility of their vying for the presidency, opting instead to throw their weight behind President William Ruto. However, a section of their leaders and a large section of residents now feel politically isolated and marginalized under President Ruto’s administration. The feeling of marginalization has now fueled the eagerness to identify an individual among them to gun for the top seat in 2027.
Political analysts from elsewhere in Kenya, hold the opinion that regardless of the efforts being made by the Mount Kenya leaders to regain power in 2027, the big question remains as to whether they can identify a formidable presidential candidate to effectively compete against President Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ODM party deputy leader Hassan Joho, and other potential candidates. The community’s quest for a presidential candidate in the 2027 presidential race has led them to consider Mr Muhoho Kenyatta for the post.
Before Mr Muhoho’s name was put forward, a section of the Kikuyu elite was advocating for DP Rigathi Gachagwa. They tried to persuade him to distance himself from President Ruto and then challenge him for the post in the 2027 presidential elections. However, it seems that this idea did not gain traction, resulting in the eventual choice of Mr. Muhoho.
Those backing the DP’s candidacy against his boss in 2027 assert that he is unlikely to succeed William Ruto in 2032 since the president appears to be leaning towards Prima Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the role. Sources have hinted to our writer that Mr Muhoho has not formally announced his intention to run for the top office in the land, but his name has been mentioned prominently by the Kikuyu elite, who want him to challenge William Ruto for the top seat in the 2027 presidential race. It is a well-known fact in Kenya and beyond that the Kenyatta family remains influential in Mount Kenya politics, and disregarding their significance would be a grave mistake.
President Ruto’s inner circle is reportedly paying close attention to the potential impact of the Muhoho factor on the 2027 elections, according to analysts. It is believed that President Ruto stands to lose the most if Mr Muhoho enters the race in 2027.
