• Proponents say having a party from the Mt Kenya region would promote unity and enhance the region's political influence.
• Plans for an inter-counties tournament in the Mount Kenya region are also underway.
Image: PSCU
Smaller parties in Mt Kenya are aggressively recruiting members to counter UDA's influence ahead of the 2027 general election.
The President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua-led party is facing internal challenges, providing an opportunity for smaller outfits to capitalise on the region's political landscape.
Parties such PNU, The New Democrats, Jubilee and the Party of Democratic Unity have publicly declared their intentions to launch grassroots movements to attract support.
But UDA honchos say the party is no pushover and have dared the small units to "conduct the public opinion they seek to do through the activations".
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu said UDA is the most popular party, not only in Mt Kenya but across the country.
He said the party is focused on delivering campaign promises and will not engage in early politics.
"We are currently involved in uniting the country and delivering on campaign promises and nothing will divert our attention," Muriu said.
Last week, PNU's Peter Munya announced plans to conduct grassroots mobilisation, emphasising a rebranding effort in preparation for the 2027 polls.
During an event attended by Azimio leader Raila Odinga and other key officials, Munya said the party is ready to form the next government.
Similarly, TND leader Thuo Mathenge convened a delegates’ conference in Nyeri county last Saturday, garnering significant support from officials of other parties.
He said it is necessary for Mt Kenya to establish its political party, citing lack of proper representation in UDA.
Mathenge said his party has formed a team of potential individuals from the region to campaign and market its manifestos.
“We must unite and reach out to all members of the Mt Kenya region and we are optimistic that in next election, we will speak in one voice," he said.
Democratic Party national chairman Essau Kioni urged leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, to support Gachagua and unite for the benefit of the region.
He said failure by Mt Kenya leaders to unite will be dangerous.
Party of Democratic Unity national chairman Isaiah Gichu said having a party from the region would promote unity, enhance the region's political influence and help in pushing its interest.
He cited Western, which has Ford Kenya, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and Musalia Mudavadi's ANC.
“We should unite and promote peace and work as a unit. Having a party for the region is a good even if it means not folding the existing ones," he said.
Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni recently said there is a concrete plan to counter Ruto's possible efforts to amass votes in Mt Kenya during the 2027 election.
In his 2027 plan, he said he will have volunteer agents to man their votes at polling stations, unlike in the past general election.
Kioni said Ruto will not have the support he had from the region.
"The people who will force the guy out is Mt Kenya. The percentage of people who have said enough is enough is beyond anything we had imagined sometime last year," he said during an interview with Spice FM.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli said Public Service CS Moses Kuria's move was a calculated political manoeuvre to strengthen UDA popularity at the grassroots.
“Kuria’s move to form an inter-counties tournament in Mt Kenya is purely political and is aimed at defending UDA's popularity at the grassroots level," he said.
Last year, President Ruto opened UDA Central region offices in Nyeri town.
He was accompanied by a host of region leaders, among them DP Gachagua.
Ruto said the move to open the office was to solidify and expand the ruling party to a national level.
"We want to make sure that the leadership of the party is determined by the membership of the party," he said.