Mount Kenya’s election campaigns have intensified, with various candidates using the existing divisions to bid for the people, as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s influence continues to diminish in the area.
Proud of nearly five million votes, the area has now become an attraction for foreign politicians who aim to enter the White House in 2022.
Deputy President Dr William Ruto, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka are among the dignitaries who have been landing in the mountain counties to bid for their political policies.
Due to the President’s silence and the ongoing rift within the Jubilee, Deputy President Dr William Ruto seems to have garnered a lot of support with many MPs joining his new UDA party.
The party is proud of its popularity and even won the Kiambaa by-elections in Muguga and Lesai wards.
In addition, many MPs have been promoting the gospel of the Hasla movement in the Central region and insulted the President for urging them to support his government in 2013 and 2017 and then later divorced Dr. Ruto.
On the other hand, there has been a Kieleweke group that has been supporting co-operation between President Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga through a handkerchief. However, Mr Odinga has not yet embarked on a tour of the 14 counties.
Not only that, further divisions have emerged after the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi announced that he would be in debt in 2022.
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Mr Muturi has received support from governors Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Martin Wambora (Embu) and Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi as well as Mount East East politicians.
However, Mr Muturi’s presidency has been strongly opposed by Mount Kenya West counties that have a large Agikuyu community.
“We have no problem joining any wing as long as our interests are taken into account,” said Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kagwe at the weekend when he hosted Kanu chairman Gideon Moi.
On the occasion, Kieni MP Kanini Kega also maintained that President Kenyatta is still a strong influence in the area and will provide direction in 2022.
“Decisions about 2022 will be made in Sagana and only the President will give us direction,” said Mr Kega, who is a real ‘general’ wing of the ‘Kieleweke’ wing.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has also called for major reforms within the Jubilee party to make it stronger before the 2022 elections.
“If we are divided then that will be portrayed across the country. We must unite and ensure that our party is strong, ”he said after the Mount Kenya Leaders’ Conference at Methodist University last weekend.
Mr Moi also called on Mount Kenya voters to show unity and inspect all candidates and then make the right decision so that they do not regret it in 2022.
Apart from that, there are politicians who want former Minister Mwangi Kiunjuri or Mr Muturi, to be Dr Ruto’s running mate.
