Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-entry into active politics is reshaping succession calculations in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Most notably, it is argued to be complicating former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s efforts to position himself as the community’s undisputed political kingpin ahead of the 2027 general election.
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.
