President William Ruto has made major changes to his political strategy and allies in Kenya's Mount Kenya region to bolster support ahead of the 2027 general election. The new approach is led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and includes several UDA leaders and others. It comes as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continues attacking the government.
President William Ruto has reshuffled his team of political allies in Kenya's Mount Kenya region, relying on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the lead strategist. The team includes Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Majority Leader in Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, and others such as Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi.
Kindiki leads what is called the president's "campaign squad" in the region, blending political mobilization with government development messages. In recent rallies, Ruto has openly praised Kindiki and urged voters to reaffirm their support, sparking speculation that Kindiki could be his running mate in 2027.
"It is easier to wait five years than ten. That is the political strategy," Kindiki said at recent meetings. Multimedia University lecturer Prof. Gitile Naituli described the deputy president's approach to counter Gachagua as strategic but possibly insufficient to shift voter sentiments.
The strategy aims to restore public faith amid Gachagua's continued criticism, positioning himself as a defender of Mount Kenya interests and accusing the government of neglecting the area.