A political storm is brewing in the Mount Kenya region as 48 Members of Parliament (MPs) have sparked a national debate after abandoning Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in favor of Interior Cabinet Secretary, Professor Kithure Kindiki, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential elections. This dramatic shift has thrown the political landscape in Kenya into disarray, especially within the ruling coalition, where Gachagua was widely regarded as the heir-apparent for the region’s political endorsement.
The decision by the MPs to support Kindiki is seen as a major setback for Gachagua, who has played a pivotal role in representing the interests of the Mount Kenya region within President William Ruto’s administration. The defection also highlights internal divisions and growing dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s leadership style. Kindiki, a respected legal scholar and a former Senate Majority Leader, is now emerging as a formidable contender with strong backing from key political figures in the region.
Kimani Ichung’wah, the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, further fueled the political drama by publicly expressing his concerns in a recent address. Speaking in his local language, Ichung’wah made it clear that he would not accept being sidelined or losing political relevance in 2027. His statement reflects a broader sentiment of political survival among the Mount Kenya leadership, who appear to be hedging their bets by aligning themselves with Kindiki’s potential candidacy.
This unexpected shift in allegiance raises critical questions about the unity of the Mount Kenya bloc, which has traditionally played a decisive role in Kenyan presidential elections. The move also signals a brewing political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, where regional power dynamics and alliances will be tested. Whether Gachagua can reclaim his influence or whether Kindiki will successfully rally the region behind him remains to be seen, but this development marks a significant moment in Kenya’s evolving political narrative.
By TrueKenya