Political realignments in the Mt. Kenya region are gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with fresh tensions emerging among key leaders. On Monday, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga openly criticized Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, prompting a sharp response from Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.
Kioni strongly condemned Kahiga’s remarks, terming them unacceptable and warning against what he called the sacrifice of good leaders in the name of blind loyalty.
“The attacks on Irungu Kang’ata by Governor Mutahi Kahiga in Laikipia today were not only uncalled for but absolutely unacceptable. This has no place in our society, and we will not stand by as good leaders in Mt. Kenya are sacrificed at the altar of sycophancy and blind loyalty. We made that mistake in 2022, never again! Mark my words,” Kioni stated on X.
The comments by Governor Kahiga were made during the funeral of Laikipia Senator John Kinyua’s father, William Nderitu, in Kiamariga. Kahiga called on Kang’ata to declare his political allegiance, warning that failing to align with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could cost him politically.
“We would like to tell Kang’ata to listen to the ground since we will follow the direction in which the Mt. Kenya Kingpin will declare,” Kahiga said.
He further emphasized that the Mt. Kenya region would remain united behind Gachagua, signaling the growing influence of the Deputy President in regional politics.
‘’We will follow the direction given by this guy,’’ Kahiga said, referring to Gachagua.
In response, Kang’ata dismissed the political pressure, stating that his primary focus remains on service delivery to Murang’a residents rather than engaging in political maneuvering.
“When President Ruto and Gachagua came to Murang’a, they told me two things; one was to focus on delivering services to Murang’a residents and two was to offer solutions to the challenges facing Murang’a citizens… and that remains my stand,” he stated.
The latest exchanges highlight the deepening political divisions within Mt. Kenya leadership, as different factions begin positioning themselves for 2027. With Gachagua’s growing influence and leaders like Kioni pushing back against what they perceive as forced loyalty, the region’s political landscape remains unpredictable.
As realignments continue, the battle for dominance in Mt. Kenya will likely intensify, shaping the national political discourse in the coming years.
