President Ruto faces Mt Kenya as he crafts his 2027 re-election plan

Ruto Turns to New Political Battlegrounds as Mt Kenya Votes Waver
President William Ruto has begun a strategic pivot as he plans for the 2027 election, openly acknowledging that the Mt Kenya region — which was instrumental in his 2022 victory — may no longer reliably deliver the same vote count. His recent three‑day tour of Embu, Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties is seen as a signal that he is testing new ground while attempting to shore up relations in a region where his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has been publicly voicing complaints of marginalisation.
Amid these shifts, Ruto’s government has nominated numerous technocrats — including in key Mt Kenya‑based ministries — raising questions about whether these appointments reflect a political calculation rather than purely administrative decisions. The president has also made significant overtures toward the Coast and Western Kenya regions, recruiting influential leaders from those areas into his administration and promising development funds. Analysts suggest that this indicates a broader attempt to diversify his vote base beyond the central heartland.
As he forges this new strategy, observers note that underlying tensions remain in his ruling alliance, particularly over how to manage the delicate balance between regional loyalties and national positioning. With increased focus on previously peripheral regions, the 2027 campaign is likely to see hardening regional competition, shifting allegiances, and perhaps a redefinition of Kenya’s electoral map. Ruto’s success may hinge on whether he can translate this realignment into actual votes — and whether the Mt Kenya region still feels fully aboard his train.