Mudavadi warns Mt Kenya against ditching Ruto ahead of 2027 polls

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi when he appeared before The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee to deliberate on the pending legislative business before the Committee and areas of collaboration at Parliament on April 29, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned the Mt Kenya region against shifting its political allegiance away from President William Ruto. They warned that such a move could cause the region to lose out on crucial government opportunities and development benefits. Speaking on Sunday at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Othaya, Nyeri County, Mudavadi, who was representing President Ruto, said Mt Kenya remains a key beneficiary of the current administration's projects and should remain steadfast in its support. "You are lucky to be working with a President who has a lot of faith in the people of this region," Mudavadi said. "If you let it slip, we want it, and we will take it. A bird in hand is better than ten in the bush." The Prime CS praised the region's loyalty to the Kenya Kwanza government but warned that growing political uncertainty could jeopardize the gains made so far. He called on local leaders to take seriously their strategic position within the current administration, even as political realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election. "Other Kenyans wish they had a fraction of what you have," he added. "Hold on to what you have, take it seriously." Mudavadi also commended the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki, describing him as a leader who upheld the rule of law and institutional integrity. He urged the region to continue supporting the unity and development agenda championed by President Ruto. "You need to be aware that the headline that does not change is the unity and development of all Kenyans. That is President Ruto's philosophy," Mudavadi said. He cited Western Kenya's long-standing commitment to national unity, despite the region never producing a President, as an example Mt Kenya should emulate. "For now, a president has never come from Western Kenya, but we live, work, grow, and defend this country," he said. "It cannot be that you only defend the country if there is a particular position from your region." Mudavadi reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to delivering on its promises and will continue engaging Kenyans transparently. He added that plans are underway to address youth concerns in the upcoming financial year. Mudavadi's remarks appeared to be a veiled appeal to leaders from the region to remain firmly aligned with the government and avoid being swayed by opposition forces. His comments came on the same day several Mt Kenya politicians attended the Wamunyoro political event, where they openly dismissed the Kenya Kwanza administration and vowed to ensure President Ruto becomes a one-term president. Nyandarua Senator John Methu said no leader should come to speak to other leaders in the Mt Kenya region without first going through former DP Gachagua, emphasising that Gachagua is the region's legitimate political spokesperson and plays a central role in articulating and safeguarding the community's interests within the national government. According to Methu, any effort to sideline or bypass Rigathi would not only be seen as disrespectful but also as a direct challenge to the region's political unity and leadership structure. "Let it be known across the country-if you want to speak to the people of Mt. Kenya, you must first speak to Rigathi Gachagua. There is no shortcut, we are not confused. The mountain has a leader, and that leader is Rigathi. Anyone bypassing him is bypassing the will of the people," he said. Nyeri County Assembly Speaker James Gichuhi said that the region is firmly backing Rigathi Gachagua and the unity displayed at the Wamunyoro gathering, adding that the time has come for leaders from the mountain to speak in one voice-a voice anchored on mutual respect, unity of purpose, and loyalty to their own. Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia dismissed claims that the growing alliance between Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders is tribal in nature, insisting that it is rooted in shared ideals and a common vision for the country and the coalition taking shape is one of purpose, not ethnicity. "This is not about tribes-this is about truth, leadership, and the future of Kenya. Rigathi's collaboration with leaders like Kalonzo, Karua, and Wamalwa is built on a national agenda to rescue the country from economic hardship and political deception," he said. Kaguchia also credited Gachagua with many of the reforms currently being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying most of them were originally his brainchild during his tenure as Deputy President. His sentiments were strongly echoed by Tetu MP Godfrey Wandeto, who emphasized loyalty and principle over political expediency. "Let it be known that out of all the MPs in Nyeri County, only Kaguchia and I stood our ground-we did not vote to impeach Rigathi we believe in his leadership, and we will not betray the people who sent us to Parliament by turning against one of our own," he said. Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu critiqued President William Ruto's leadership, urging him not to consider seeking re-election in 2027, saying the people had already made up their minds. Nyutu said the president's dwindling popularity was evident across the country. He used a striking irony to drive his point home "The writing is on the wall. Even before the election season begins, the people have rejected him, imagine, even when he went to the Vatican, his candle refused to light. What more of a sign do you need?" he quipped.

Mudavadi warns Mt Kenya against ditching Ruto ahead of 2027 polls

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