By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Plans for the upcoming Limuru 3 conference are gaining momentum with suggestions that it could serve as a strategic opportunity for prominent Azimio leaders from the Mount Kenya region to depart and establish a new political entity away from ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s influence in preparation for the 2027 elections.
According to sources, the brains behind the conference are Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, former Meru governor Peter Munya, former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria, former Laikipia governor Ndiritu Muriithi, former Nakuru governor Lee Kinyanjui, and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga. Additionally, the aforementioned individuals serve as the originators and key figures of the Kamwene Leadership Forum, a coalition established to advocate for the interests of the Mount Kenya region. Reports suggest that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is closely associated with this group.
Unverified information suggests that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagwa is eager to participate in the conference. However, it is said that DP has laid out specific requirements for Ms Karua and her team, which must be met before he gives his final confirmation. It has been reported that the DP called for a joint consultative meeting before Limuru 3 to discuss the conference agenda and coordinate logistics. However, sources reveal that Martha Karua and her team have yet to confirm their attendance at the DP’s proposed meeting. Political experts project that the Limuru 3 will witness the Mount Kenya leaders breaking away from Azimio to form their political entity in anticipation of 2027.
Insider information suggests that the Kamuene faction leaders are inclined to put aside their differences and throw their support behind the Deputy President as the key figure in the region.
However, it is believed that several key leaders in the region who support Limuru 3 are hesitant about the Deputy President’s attendance. This hesitation arises from the fact that Uhuru Kenyatta has not resolved his political and personal differences with the Deputy President. The key question now is whether the Limuru 3’s alleged plan to depart from Azimio and establish a separate political faction will be beneficial or detrimental to their performance in the 2027 elections. According to President William Ruto’s inner circle, they are fully aware of the potential scenario where Mount Kenya might not extend their support to him in 2027. In light of this, they have devised a strategic plan to forge alternative alliances in other regions. A notable proportion of Luo voters have already indicated their readiness to reciprocate politically by backing Ruto’s re-election in 2027 if Raila goes to Addis Ababa.
The Kamuene faction is cognizant that without Raila in the local political arena, a significant number of his followers in Nyanza and western regions may opt to vote for Ruto. In response, the Karua group is strategizing to establish a robust political alliance to thwart Ruto’s strategies. Speculations have arisen suggesting that the Limuru 3 may compel Gachagua to consider running for the presidency in 2027, facing off against Ruto, in response to the perceived frustrations within the region under Kenya Kwanza.
Analysts are currently predicting that the betrayal and subsequent fallout involving Ruto and Gachagua will have a greater impact compared to the betrayal and fallout between Uhuru and Ruto. The question of whether Gachagua will be able to withstand the pressure and challenge his boss in the upcoming 2027 elections can only be answered with time.
