Tensions have surfaced within the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly involving key leaders from the Mt. Kenya region, as complaints of marginalization and loss of influence continue to make headlines. The latest stir was caused by remarks from Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who openly questioned the authority of Mt. Kenya leaders currently in the Kenya Kwanza administration. Speaking during a church service in Kahawa West, Nairobi, Nyutu asserted that several prominent Mt. Kenya figures who once wielded considerable political influence now appear sidelined within the government.
Nyutu specifically mentioned Cabinet Secretary for Lands Alice Wahome, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Moses Kuria, and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi. According to Nyutu, these leaders, once central to Kenya’s political discourse and the campaign that ushered President William Ruto into power, are now at odds with the administration they helped form.
Nyutu’s statements also contained a pointed critique regarding Kuria’s new role as Senior Economic Advisor, which he characterized as a demotion from his previous position as Cabinet Secretary. The senator alleged that despite Wahome’s title as Cabinet Secretary for Lands, she does not command real authority in her ministry, as he claimed the power rests with her Principal Secretaries, who purportedly do not respect her position.
In response to these claims, Wahome issued a statement on her X (formerly Twitter) account, emphasizing her commitment to service delivery over personal influence. “I have watched you on a church platform talking about ‘power.’ I am more interested in service delivery and governance and not power,” Wahome responded. She also hinted at discomfort with the politicization of her role, remarking, “I don’t know who sent you to talk about me, but kindly do not drag me into your politics.” Wahome made the comments while attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she is engaged in high-level meetings on behalf of Kenya.
Nyutu’s assertions tap into a growing narrative in the Mt. Kenya region, where some leaders feel that the region’s role in delivering votes for Ruto’s presidential campaign has not been adequately recognized or rewarded. This frustration has been compounded by Gachagua’s removal from office, which many in the region perceive as a direct blow to their representation within the government.
Further complicating the situation are persistent rumors of plans to remove additional leaders allied with Gachagua, raising anxieties among his supporters. Addressing these concerns, Nyutu voiced frustrations to President Ruto, stating, “There is a problem somewhere with your advisors, Your Excellency.” Nyutu warned that the perceived exclusion of Mt. Kenya leaders might result in growing dissent within Kenya Kwanza’s support base in the region.
Gachagua, who was also present at the church service, expressed sentiments of betrayal, a reflection of the rising sense of unease among his allies. His accusations have fueled speculation regarding the future of Mt. Kenya’s alliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration. In the past, Gachagua’s allies have been outspoken about their loyalty to Ruto, yet this current wave of discontent reflects growing concerns over the region’s place within the administration.
The power dynamics within Kenya Kwanza have been contentious since its inception, as leaders from various regions seek to balance influence in Ruto’s government. The situation with Mt. Kenya’s leaders highlights how regional alliances in Kenya’s political landscape can shift rapidly, especially when questions of influence and representation emerge.
Nyutu’s criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government, combined with Wahome’s focus on governance over personal power, underscores the complexity of coalition politics in Kenya. As Mt. Kenya leaders continue to advocate for their rightful place within the administration, President Ruto faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and maintain unity within his government. How the Kenya Kwanza administration navigates this tension may determine its longevity and effectiveness in achieving its agenda for the country.
