Ruto's new Mt Kenya comeback offensive: Can he win it back?
President William Ruto is launching a new political campaign to regain support in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. The region has drifted away from his administration following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Why it matters
The political stability of Kenya's Mt Kenya region is critical for the 2027 presidential race and the current administration's survival.
President William Ruto addresses Chuka residents and updated them on the progress of their counties and national development after handing over the newly-built Chuka Modern Market, Tharaka Nithi County on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
President William Ruto has stepped up efforts to reclaim the restive Mt Kenya voting bloc, signaling that he has not yet given up on the region.
In the 2022 Presidential election, the mountain supported him almost to a man, giving the President 87 per cent of its votes.
However, after the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as deputy President in October 2024, Mt Kenya has been drifting further away from Dr Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), following Mr Gachagua’s aggressive campaigns against his former boss.
His Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has made inroads in Mt Kenya, Nairobi and Narok counites.
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