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

President William Ruto Eyes Mt Kenya Ground as He Charts 2027 Re-Election Strategy
In a pivotal move ahead of the 2027 general elections, President William Ruto is intensifying his engagement in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, signalling that repair-work is underway within his support base. A three-day tour visiting Embu, Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties is scheduled, coming at a time when the region’s loyalty is under pressure amid tensions with his deputy and visible signs of disaffection among local voters.
Background to the tour reveals a complex political calculus. President Ruto’s relationship with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua — long a kingmaker in the region — has cooled markedly, leading analysts to suggest the Mt Kenya bloc is no longer reliably aligned with him.
To shore up his position, Ruto has been selective in his appointments from the region, opting for technocrats rather than seasoned politicians, raising concerns about his ability to mobilise through traditional networks.
The tour, branded as a developmental exercise, is widely interpreted as a litmus test of how much traction Ruto still commands at grassroots level in his former stronghold.
The region’s reaction has been mixed. Some leaders welcome the renewed attention and perceive the tour as a fresh start; others remain wary of perceived marginalisation and weakening of traditional regional autonomy. Analysts warn that if Mt Kenya’s support continues to erode, Ruto may have to rely heavily on alternative strongholds, reshaping his electoral map entirely.
Looking ahead, how the tour goes — and whether pledges convert into tangible local wins — may prove decisive not just for Ruto’s second-term bid but for the wider coalition dynamics that will shape Kenya’s 2027 landscape.