Naivasha, Nakuru County – July 18, 2025: A political storm is brewing within President William Ruto’s inner circle as Mt Kenya leaders issue a stern warning to allies from other regions. The leaders say inflammatory statements, ethnic slurs, and premature 2027 succession talk are alienating a region that was crucial in delivering Ruto’s 2022 victory.
In a strongly-worded statement released after a meeting in Naivasha last Thursday, more than 40 elected leaders under the Mt Kenya Parliamentary Caucus warned that political missteps and unchecked rhetoric were eroding support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
‘Reckless Allies Are Ruining Ruto’s Chances’
The leaders pointed fingers at certain pro-Ruto figures for “own goals” including:
- Reckless public remarks
- Open threats of vote rigging
- Ethnic profiling
- Unequal development programmes
- Failure to rein in former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, who read the statement, said Mt Kenya voters are increasingly frustrated. He urged the government to arrest those who vandalised businesses in the region during the recent Gen Z protests, and to protect all communities from political intimidation.
“Our community, like all Kenyans, has the right to choose political associations. No one should be intimidated into silence or compliance,” Kiarie stated.
‘We Are Not Anyone’s Political Hostages’
The leaders also pushed back against narratives that suggest Mt Kenya voters owe loyalty to any individual or party.
“We will partner with those who promote unity, development, and the national interest,” the statement added.
Kiunjuri: “We’re Sabotaging Ourselves”
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, who leads The Service Party, added his voice to the growing unease.
“We are doing the President no favours by endorsing hate speech, threats, and talk of rigging. If we truly support him, we must show it through discipline and development, not fear,” he said.
He urged Ruto loyalists to focus on economic wins and projecting a unifying image for 2027.
“We must stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Let’s focus on the successes and sell the story of a working government,” Kiunjuri urged.
Internal Sabotage a Growing Concern
Kiunjuri’s message was clear: President Ruto remains the front-runner for 2027, but internal chaos could derail that trajectory.
His remarks come weeks after mounting youth-led protests over taxes and cost of living, which sparked unrest in towns such as Nyeri, Embu, and Thika. Some pro-Ruto voices have since attempted to link the protests to anti-government ethnic movements, a claim that has further inflamed tensions.
Why This Matters
Mt Kenya remains one of Kenya’s largest and most politically engaged voting blocs. The region’s swing potential has historically influenced presidential races, from the days of Mwai Kibaki to Uhuru Kenyatta. With discontent growing, the caucus has positioned itself as a key player in shaping Kenya’s 2027 political landscape.
A recent poll by Infotrak Research shows Ruto’s approval ratings dipping by over 20% in Mt Kenya counties since January 2025. Youth unemployment, soaring food prices, and the controversial housing levy have also dented the government’s image.
