Mt Kenya's third 'centre of power' emerges

As the 2027 General Election looms, the fight for control over the significant Mt Kenya voting bloc is heating up. A third centre of power has emerged, associated with President William Ruto. Following Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment in October 2024, he embarked on a campaign against his former boss, accusing him of betrayal. Gachagua, through his political outfit - Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has been making inroads into the Mt Kenya region counties, effectively sidelining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Mr Gachagua's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where his DCP candidate Kamau Ngotho secured over 30,000 more votes than the UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga, has further emboldened him. Gachagua claims this was a protest vote against Ruto and now aims to ensure his Wantam movement sees him only serve one term.

In response, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been using his Irunduni home to receive regional delegations. Meanwhile, a third centre of power has emerged in Kirinyaga county. Ndia MP George Kariuki, an ally of Ruto, has initiated "consultative forums" in his home in Gacharu. He plans to invite residents from the region and elsewhere for the next 90 days to chart the way forward for Mt Kenya.

Kariuki's speech to women leaders in Othaya constituency hints at his potential role in national politics. The MP is being groomed as a point man in Mt Kenya West region and possibly as Ruto's running mate in the 2027 election.