Monday 09th March, 2026 06:51 AM|
A political contest is emerging in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, as Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua and current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki intensify parallel tours to consolidate influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
In recent weeks, the two leaders have appeared to shadow each other’s movements, each seeking to demonstrate control and loyalty in a region that played a pivotal role in delivering victory to President William Ruto during the 2022 polls.
The overlapping visits show a simmering struggle for dominance over the Mt Kenya voting bloc, widely regarded as one of the country’s most decisive electoral constituencies.
Last week, Gachagua briefly stepped out of his political base to join leaders affiliated with the emerging opposition coalition for rallies in Kisii County and Nyamira County.
During the visits, the former deputy president joined the United Alternative Government figures in criticising the government’s economic policies while seeking to broaden his political reach beyond the mountain region.
The rallies were interpreted as part of a wider strategy by the opposition to forge alliances across multiple regions as it prepares to challenge President Ruto’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
However, as the opposition caravan pitched camp in the Gusii region, Kindiki was simultaneously touring parts of Mt Kenya East, including Embu County and Meru County.
The deputy president used the visits to drum up support for the government and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), while also inspecting development projects in the region.
Kindiki-Gachagua tiff
While addressing residents in Meru, Kindiki warned political leaders planning rallies in the county, signalling the government’s determination to maintain order.
“Visitors are welcome in Meru, but they must come with discipline, no chaos or trouble. If they cause unrest, we will deal with it seriously. The people of Meru are civilised; we do not tolerate disorder or noise,” Kindiki warned.
He also dismissed criticism from government opponents, accusing them of engaging in divisive politics instead of championing development.
“The difference between us and those walking around inciting people is like day and night. We have a solid plan. We dare them to present the projects they lobbied for in Meru County, the Mt Kenya region, and Kenya at large when they were in office,” he said.
Ahead of Gachagua’s return to the Mt Kenya region, Kindiki again returned to Meru to inspect ongoing road construction projects as part of his plan to woo the region, even as the opposition discredits it as a dead cat strategy.
At the same time, President Ruto was meeting newly elected Members of County Assembly Duncan Nyaga (Evurore) and Peterson Njeru (Muminji), who won recent by-elections in Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County.
Ruto used the meeting to emphasise what he described as a shift in Kenyan politics away from divisive ethnic contests.
“We are making progress in transforming politics in Kenya from retrogressive, tribal, divisive and personality-driven contests to issues. This was clearly evident in the recent by-elections, with our party, UDA, carrying the day in a big way,” Ruto said.
Strategic battle for Mt Kenya
The timing of the leaders’ visits highlights the increasing importance of the Mt Kenya region in shaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
For decades, the region has been a decisive political bloc capable of swinging national elections due to its high voter turnout and large population.
In the 2022 election, the region overwhelmingly backed Ruto, helping secure his victory.
But Gachagua’s fallout with the government and his subsequent political realignment have complicated the dynamics within the region as he and other bigwigs strategise on making Ruto a one-term president.
Since his impeachment, the former deputy president has emerged as one of the administration’s fiercest critics, positioning himself as a key mobiliser of Mt Kenya voters within the opposition ranks.
His recent tours outside the region are seen as an attempt to craft a broader national political identity while maintaining his influence in his traditional backyard.
The growing rivalry between Gachagua and Kindiki reflects early manoeuvres for the 2027 presidential race.
Kindiki, who now occupies the deputy presidency, is widely viewed as the government’s point man in the Mt Kenya region, tasked with consolidating support for the administration.
Gachagua, on the other hand, is seeking to maintain his political foothold and persuade the region that he remains its most vocal defender.
As both leaders continue their parallel tours and political messaging, the battle for the loyalty of Mt Kenya voters is likely to intensify.
With the 2027 elections still some distance away, the unfolding contest suggests the region will remain a central battleground in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
