The rivalry between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reignited, reshaping the political landscape in the Mount Kenya region and creating a strategic opportunity for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election.
At the heart of this power struggle is the formation of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by Gachagua in a direct challenge to Kenyatta’s influence and his embattled Jubilee Party. Gachagua, now positioning himself as a presidential contender, is rallying support from the Mount Kenya region, comprising the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities, traditionally a political powerhouse in national elections.
Kenyatta, who has remained silent about the new party, is reportedly backing former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a potential presidential candidate. This sets the stage for a fierce contest for Mount Kenya’s political leadership.
These divisions could significantly affect voter turnout and cohesion in the region. Observers note that the previously united front, which delivered a substantial vote to Ruto in 2022, is fragmenting. With other key figures, such as Martha Karua, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, also vying for the presidency, the Mount Kenya vote risks being diluted.
President Ruto, long considered an outsider to Mount Kenya politics, is poised to benefit from this fragmentation. According to political analysts, Ruto would need only about 20 per cent of the Mount Kenya vote to secure a first-round victory if the regional vote is split among multiple candidates. Lower voter turnout, expected due to reduced enthusiasm without Raila Odinga in the race, could further enhance Ruto’s prospects.
The battle for regional leadership has reignited debate over who truly represents Mount Kenya. While some voters still view Kenyatta as their leader, others are wary of Gachagua, citing his role in aligning the region with Ruto, only for many to feel politically sidelined afterwards.
Efforts by figures like Kimani Gunjiri, a reported Ruto ally, to encourage more Kikuyu candidates to enter the presidential race are perceived as a strategic move to further fragment the opposition.
Unless Kenyatta and Gachagua reconcile and unite, Ruto could benefit from Mount Kenya’s political discord, potentially securing a stronger position in the 2027 general election.
