As the 2027 General Election approaches, Kenya's ruling class factions are intensifying their struggle for control over the significant Mt Kenya voting bloc, establishing new "centres of power" to consolidate their hold. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, impeached in October 2024, now in his second year since removal, has launched a vigorous campaign against President William Ruto, whom he accuses of betrayal. Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has made deep inroads into Mt Kenya counties, nearly displacing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Elite Contention for State Power
The DCP's recent victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, less than one month ago, saw candidate Kamau Ngotho defeat UDA's Muchina Nyaga by over 30,000 votes. Mr Gachagua claims this was a protest vote against Dr Ruto, asserting the region has severed its ties with the current president. He aims to leverage this substantial voter base to ensure Dr Ruto serves only one term, mobilizing through his Wantam movement. Last month, Mr Gachagua announced a 45-day retreat at his Wamunyoro village home, receiving delegations from across the region, Nairobi, and the Rift Valley, transforming his residence into a decision-making hub.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has similarly used his Irunduni home to host regional delegations, attempting to counter Mr Gachagua's influence and consolidate support. Now, a third centre of power has emerged in Kirinyaga county, where Ndia MP George Kariuki, an ally of President Ruto, has initiated "consultative forums" at his Gacharu home. Mr Kariuki plans to invite residents for the next 90 days to "chart the way forward for Mt Kenya region," culminating in a 'Gacharu Declaration.' Political pundits suggest Mr Kariuki is being groomed as a key figure in Mt Kenya West and a potential running mate for Dr Ruto in 2027.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Mr Geoffrey Ruku leads a push to divide the Mt Kenya region, advocating for Mt Kenya East to sever links with the west. Mr Ruku confirmed a "grand scheme to win about three million votes for Dr Ruto in the Mt Kenya region," working with Ndia MP Kariuki. He stated, "We want to tell our people that this is a government we put in power and we cannot leave at this point in time." This strategy aims to fragment the rebellious Mt Kenya West vote, which could otherwise coalesce around Mr Gachagua's Wantam movement.
The State as Enforcer
The state apparatus has been deployed to manage this political realignment. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, a founding member of DCP and vocal Gachagua ally, has faced increasing confrontation with the government. Last year, in July 2025, dozens of Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers, supported by local police, raided her Maraigushu home in Naivasha and arrested her. Ms Kihara has repeatedly described this incident and subsequent legal battles as political persecution linked to her loyalty to Mr Gachagua, insisting it won't deter her from advancing DCP's agenda.
Mr Gachagua is expanding his political mobilization into Nakuru, a critical battleground county. His two-day tour, beginning tomorrow, August 14, aims to test DCP's appeal beyond its traditional Mt Kenya base. The visit comes less than one month after DCP's significant electoral victory in Ol Kalou, where its candidate garnered 35,440 votes against UDA’s 5,450. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara called on security agencies to provide adequate protection during the tour, urging young people not to be used for political violence, citing recent deaths in Ol Kalou. Nakuru County Commander Samuel Boit stated security agencies await formal notification from DCP before planning for the activities.
Workers' Demands Ignored
Amidst these elite power struggles, the material concerns of the working class remain largely unaddressed. Nakuru town boda boda rider Kevin Kimutai stated that residents want to hear concrete proposals on the economy, employment, the cost of living, and development, rather than attacks on political opponents. Another resident, Mr Peter Kimani, echoed this, saying politicians should address issues affecting ordinary citizens. "We will listen to him but ultimately we will look at what his politics mean for ordinary residents, not just criticising other leaders," Mr Kimani said.
Political analyst Joseph Omondi warned that increasing political mobilization could deepen ethnic and political divisions if leaders fail to keep their campaigns issue-based. He noted, "In Kenya, elections are never issue-based but about the tribal kingpins, and we are worried about the polarising politics we are currently witnessing." This observation highlights how the electoral charade diverts attention from the systemic economic issues that affect the majority, instead focusing on identity politics to maintain the existing power structures. DCP official Dr Peter Mbae stated the party would use the Nakuru tour to listen to residents and gather views for its 2027 manifesto, promoting a message of peaceful coexistence and national unity, yet the core economic demands of the working class often remain secondary to the pursuit of political office. The defections of numerous MCAs to DCP in Nakuru signal the ongoing realignment of local politicians, all positioning themselves for the 2027 contest, while the daily struggles of the people persist.