For months, Gachagua has sought to rally the region behind
his leadership following his bitter fallout with President William Ruto.
Through frequent tours, grassroots meetings and a growing
anti-Ruto narrative, the ex-DP has projected himself as the natural political
heir to Mt Kenya’s leadership mantle.
But Uhuru’s renewed visibility on the national stage has
introduced a new variable into the equation.
Political analysts say the former president’s influence
remains significant despite his retirement from office in 2022, making it
difficult for any single politician to claim exclusive ownership of the
region’s political direction.
In recent months, Uhuru has stepped up public appearances to
invigorate his Jubilee party, held meetings with opposition figures and
increased engagement with youth and regional leaders.
His interventions have fuelled speculation that he intends
to play a more active role in shaping the political landscape leading to the
next election.
The development comes at a time the Mt Kenya region is
experiencing an unprecedented leadership vacuum.
Historically, the region rallied around dominant figures
such as the late President Jomo Kenyatta, former President Mwai Kibaki and
later Uhuru himself.
However, the post-Uhuru era has been characterised by
competing centres of influence and shifting alliances, and Gachagua has
aggressively sought to fill that vacuum.
Since leaving government, he has portrayed himself as the
region’s chief defender against what he calls the ‘excesses of Kenya Kwanza
administration’.
His allies argue that he commands the grassroots and has
emerged as the most vocal champion of Mt Kenya interests.
Pundits hold that Uhuru’s presence threatens to dilute that narrative.
Unlike Gachagua, whose support is largely concentrated
within sections of the mountain, Uhuru retains networks that stretch across the
country, with considerable goodwill among senior political leaders.
His endorsement, or opposition, could significantly
influence political alignments within the region.
“Gachagua may command crowds today, but Uhuru still commands
respect,” political analyst Martin Andati said.
“The challenge for Gachagua is that he wants to be
recognised as the sole spokesman of Mt Kenya, yet Uhuru remains a powerful
reference point for many leaders and voters in the region.”
The former president’s return also adds to a growing list of
leaders seeking to shape Mt Kenya’s political future.
Among them is Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who has
steadily consolidated his position within government and intensified engagement
with leaders from the region.
Kindiki’s rise has introduced another dimension to the
battle for influence. Unlike Gachagua, who is mobilising from outside government,
Kindiki enjoys the advantages of incumbency and access to state machinery.
His frequent development tours, consultations with elected
leaders and involvement in key government programmes have strengthened
perceptions that he is positioning himself as President Ruto’s preferred point
man in the mountain.
Several MPs allied to the administration have increasingly
rallied around Kindiki, presenting him as a moderate and unifying figure
capable of safeguarding the region’s interests while maintaining ties with the
government.
Political observers say the deputy president’s approach
contrasts sharply with Gachagua’s combative style.
“Kindiki is building influence through institutions and
government programmes while Gachagua is building influence through political
mobilisation,” governance expert Javas Bigambo said. “The question is which strategy will resonate more with
voters by 2027.”
The contest is further complicated by the presence of other
influential leaders from the region. Cabinet Secretaries, governors, senators and veteran
politicians have all sought to carve out niches in the evolving space.
Some have maintained links with Uhuru while others have
aligned themselves with either Gachagua or Kindiki.
The emerging scenario raises the possibility of multiple power
centres competing for legitimacy. “No election has ever made a single person
kingpin,” PLP leader Martha Karua said.
Even so, pundits hold that Uhuru’s ability to influence
elite opinion and forge alliances across political divides gives him leverage
that few leaders possess.
Should he openly support a particular candidate or
coalition, the move could alter political calculations both within Mt Kenya and
nationally.
For Gachagua, his political strategy has relied heavily on
presenting himself as the authentic custodian of the region’s interests.
Any indication that influential leaders continue to look to
Uhuru for guidance could undermine that claim. Gachagua’s camp insists that the
ex-DP enjoys unmatched grassroots support.
The situation places Mt Kenya at the centre of national
political calculations ahead of 2027, as it remains one of the most coveted
voting blocs.
President Ruto is also closely watching developments, amid
the signs of political restlessness.
The administration’s efforts to elevate Kindiki and
strengthen ties with local leaders are widely seen as part of UDA strategy to
maintain influence in the mountain.
With Kindiki steadily consolidating his position within
government and other leaders angling for relevance, the mountain appears headed
for a rare contest in which no single figure can easily claim the crown.
