The Enduring Impact of Uhuru Kenyatta in Mount Kenya Politics

The Mount Kenya region has long been considered the powerhouse of Kenyan politics, with its ten counties carrying significant influence on the national leadership. For decades, this region has been a crucial battleground for political parties and candidates vying for the presidency.34Historically, the Mount Kenya region has been dominated by the Kikuyu ethnic group, who believe the mountain is a sacred land gifted to them by God.4This cultural and spiritual connection has translated into a commanding role in Kenya’s politics, with the region often producing presidents and other high-ranking leaders.3

One of the most influential figures to emerge from the Mount Kenya region is Uhuru Kenyatta, the current former president of Kenya. Kenyatta’s political career has been marked by both triumph and controversy, but his impact on the region’s politics remains undeniable.313Despite his recent electoral defeat, Kenyatta’s return to the political spotlight has been met with renewed interest and speculation about his role in the 2027 presidential election.15Recent public appearances and endorsements by Kenyatta have sparked a flurry of activity within the Mount Kenya region, as local leaders seek to harness his influence and legacy to shape the political landscape.1314

The Kenyatta Dynasty: From Jomo to Uhuru

The Kenyatta family’s political legacy in Kenya dates back to the country’s independence struggle. Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, was a revered figure who played a pivotal role in the fight for the country’s liberation from colonial rule.38After Jomo Kenyatta’s death in 1978, the Mount Kenya region faced a period of political uncertainty, as his successor, Daniel Arap Moi, sought to consolidate his power and weaken the influence of the Kenyatta-aligned Gikuyu Embu and Meru Association (GEMA).3 This period saw the region lose much of its political might, as Moi worked to sideline the Kenyatta-era power brokers and bring the region under his control.3 The rise of Mwai Kibaki and Kenneth Matiba in the 1990s, as leaders of the Democratic Party and Ford Asili, respectively, marked a resurgence of Mount Kenya’s political influence.3 However, it was the emergence of Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Jomo Kenyatta, that cemented the family’s continued dominance in the region’s politics.3 Uhuru Kenyatta’s journey to the presidency was marked by his own share of challenges, including a brief stint at the International Criminal Court.3Nevertheless, he managed to rally the Mount Kenya region behind him, building a strong grassroots party in the form of The National Alliance (TNA) and eventually forming the Jubilee Alliance with William Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP).3 Kenyatta’s two terms as president, from 2013 to 2022, solidified his position as the undisputed leader of the Mount Kenya region.3His ability to navigate the complex political landscape and forge alliances with both the Kenyatta and Ruto camps has been a testament to his political acumen.315

The Handshake and the Fallout: Kenyatta’s Unexpected Endorsement of Raila Odinga

One of the most significant events during Kenyatta’s presidency was the famous “handshake” with his longtime political rival, Raila Odinga.3 This unexpected alliance between the two leaders was seen as a strategic move to bridge the political divide in the country and ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

However, the handshake also had far-reaching implications for the Mount Kenya region’s political dynamics. Kenyatta’s decision to endorse Odinga, a member of the Luo ethnic group and a long-standing opponent of the Kenyatta family, was met with widespread shock and controversy within the Kikuyu community.1214

This move was seen by many as a betrayal of the region’s political interests, as Odinga had been a vocal critic of the Kenyatta administration and its policies. The fallout from this decision has continued to reverberate through the region’s politics, with some leaders and their supporters openly expressing their discontent with Kenyatta’s actions.3The rift between Kenyatta and his former deputy, William Ruto, who went on to win the 2022 presidential election, has further complicated the political landscape in the Mount Kenya region.39Ruto’s victory, which was seen as a repudiation of Kenyatta’s preferred candidate, Raila Odinga, has left the region in a state of flux, with some leaders questioning the strength of Kenyatta’s influence and others seeking to capitalize on the perceived weakening of his political power.39

The Mount Kenya Rebellion and the Shifting Sands of Political Alliances

The Mount Kenya region’s political dynamics have undergone a significant shift in the aftermath of the 2022 elections. The region’s leaders have not been shy in expressing their discontent with the Ruto administration, with some openly questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s concerns.59This sense of disgruntlement has given rise to a growing “rebellion” within the region, with politicians and community leaders seeking to assert their independence from the national government.59 The rivalry between politicians aligned with different factions, such as the rift between Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has exposed the depth of these internal divisions.9 Kenyatta’s recent public appearances and endorsements have been viewed by some as an attempt to reclaim his position as the undisputed leader of the Mount Kenya region.1314The former president’s support for Raila Odinga’s AU Commission chairperson bid has further complicated the political landscape, with some speculating that it is part of a broader strategy to undermine Ruto’s hold on the region.9

In this volatile environment, the search for a suitable presidential candidate from the Mount Kenya region has intensified. The emergence of potential contenders, such as Muhoho Kenyatta, Uhuru’s younger brother, has added another layer of complexity to the region’s political dynamics.16The jockeying for position within the Mount Kenya region has not gone unnoticed by President Ruto, who is reportedly keen on expanding his support base beyond his traditional strongholds.9Ruto’s attempts to woo Raila Odinga’s Nyanza heartland and consolidate his grip on the Western Kenya region are seen as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the potential impact of a Mount Kenya rebellion.9

The Youth Factor: A Game-Changer in the 2027 Elections

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the role of the youth demographic is expected to be a crucial factor in shaping the outcome.11According to projections, the 20-35 age group is poised to comprise approximately 65% of the total voting population.11

This shift in the demographic landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for the political players in the Mount Kenya region and across Kenya. The youth, who are characterized as liberal, tech-savvy, and idealistic, are likely to demand a different approach from traditional campaign strategies.11Appealing to this demographic will require a deep understanding of their belief systems, aspirations, and online conversations.11Candidates and political parties that can effectively harness the power of social media and digital platforms are likely to have a significant advantage in reaching and mobilizing this crucial voting bloc.11 The youth’s growing disillusionment with the status quo, coupled with the economic and social challenges facing the country, could also create an environment ripe for the emergence of a third, populist party with a young, charismatic leader.11 In this scenario, the traditional political heavyweights, including those from the Mount Kenya region, may find themselves facing a significant challenge in securing the youth vote, potentially leading to a coalition government.11

The 2027 election, therefore, promises to be a pivotal moment in Kenyan politics, with the Mount Kenya region’s political landscape playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome. The region’s leaders, including Uhuru Kenyatta, will be closely watched as they navigate this dynamic and ever-changing political terrain.

Conclusion: Uhuru Kenyatta’s Enduring Influence and the Future of Mount Kenya Politics

Uhuru Kenyatta’s political legacy in the Mount Kenya region is undeniable. As the scion of the first Kenyan president and a dominant figure in the region’s politics for over a decade, Kenyatta’s influence continues to be felt, even after his departure from the presidency.315​The region’s leaders’ public affirmation of Kenyatta’s leadership and their eagerness to harness his support for the 2027 presidential election underscores the enduring nature of his political clout.1314

However, the political landscape in the Mount Kenya region is far from static. The growing discontent and rebellion within the region, coupled with the shifting dynamics of the youth vote, present both challenges and opportunities for Kenyatta and the region’s political aspirants.5911

As the 2027 election approaches, the Mount Kenya region will undoubtedly be a focal point of national attention. The ability of Kenyatta and other regional leaders to navigate the complex web of alliances, internal rivalries, and demographic shifts will be crucial in determining the outcome of the presidential race and the future of Kenyan politics.9

Ultimately, the fate of the Mount Kenya region and its influence on the 2027 election will have far-reaching implications for the country as a whole. The region’s political dynamics will continue to be a critical factor in shaping Kenya’s political landscape for years to come.