President William Ruto’s grip on the Mt Kenya region appears to be slipping, despite his recent week-long tour across the area aimed at consolidating support. The visit, which was intended to reassure residents and boost political backing, seems to have done little to quell the growing discontent on the ground.
The political tension boiled over on Wednesday when Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, a close ally of the President, was chased away from a funeral in Kirinyaga after launching an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The backlash was swift and symbolic just days after Ruto’s widely publicised tour. Wamumbi has since announced he will not seek re-election in 2027, a move seen as a clear sign of the political heat in the region.
Wamumbi’s political fall is particularly significant, as he succeeded Gachagua in Mathira after the latter was picked as Ruto’s running mate in 2022. His ousting at a grassroots event underscores the sharp divisions within the UDA camp in Mt Kenya.
Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni echoed the public sentiment, stating that Mt Kenya residents have lost faith in Ruto’s government and are “organising themselves differently.” Other leaders including Kimani Ichung’wa, Mwangi Kiunjuri, and Anne Muratha have faced boos and cold receptions at public functions.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Farmers Party, associated with Irungu Nyakera, recently withdrew from the Kenya Kwanza coalition, citing political deceit and unmet promises. Nyakera pointed to a frustrated population grappling with economic hardship.
In response, Gachagua, who appears to be rebranding himself as a regional unifier, visited Maragua and signalled a parting of ways with UDA, calling it a mistake to “go to a wedding in someone else’s vehicle.”
Meanwhile, critics accuse the President’s camp of mobilising crowds with monetary incentives allegedly up to Sh3,000 per attendee. Jubilee MP Sabina Chege defended the turnouts, arguing Mt Kenya still deserves development regardless of political leanings.
As the 2027 elections approach, signs point to an increasingly fractured Mt Kenya political landscape and a daunting task ahead for President Ruto to win back the region.
