The political landscape in the Mount Kenya region is undergoing a significant transformation as efforts to reconcile Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua falter. With mediation by Kikuyu leaders proving unsuccessful, the region faces mounting pressure to align with one of two dominant factions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Jubilee Party, associated with Uhuru, is actively strategising to reclaim its position as the leading political force in the region and serve as the primary vehicle for Mount Kenya voters in the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, Gachagua has intensified his political activities, hosting meetings with local leaders at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri in an apparent bid to consolidate his influence.
Despite Uhuru’s low-profile approach, analysts suggest he is using deliberate psychological tactics, allowing Gachagua to reveal his political strategy before re-entering to strengthen Jubilee.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, a trusted Uhuru ally, has never shared a political platform with Gachagua, signalling that the rift between the two leaders remains unresolved.
Sources close to Uhuru report that he intends to endorse former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as Jubilee’s presidential candidate in 2027. Contrary to speculation, he is unlikely to support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who appears to be gaining Gachagua’s backing. This alignment suggests the Mount Kenya vote could split three ways: Kalonzo, with Gachagua’s support; Matiang’i, under Uhuru’s banner; and a minority still loyal to President William Ruto.
The prospect of Matiang’i serving as Kalonzo’s deputy seems unlikely, given Uhuru’s belief that Kalonzo is aligned with Gachagua, which could undermine Jubilee’s resurgence.
At the heart of this contest is the battle for the region’s political leadership, or “kingpin” status. Uhuru appears to be regaining influence, partly due to regret in Mount Kenya for rejecting his call to support Raila Odinga in 2022 and backing Ruto at Gachagua’s urging. Many in the Kikuyu community may now be more inclined to trust a candidate endorsed by Uhuru.
In a significant political shift, former Nyeri Town MP and strategist Ngunjiri Wambugu has broken ranks with Gachagua, citing discontent with efforts to establish single-party dominance in the region. Wambugu, once Gachagua’s political advisor, has pledged allegiance to Uhuru, warning that a new regional party under Gachagua would harm democratic plurality in Mount Kenya.
As politicians quietly shift from Gachagua’s camp to Uhuru’s, the region braces for a political showdown that could redefine its influence on the national stage in 2027.
