A group of Kenya Kwanza MPs converged in Mathira, Nyeri county, for an empowerment event just days after ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted opposition leaders in the same area.
The lawmakers, led by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, joined Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi in raising funds for women, boda boda riders, and small business groups under the banner of "Bottom-Up Empowerment Day."
While the occasion, which followed after many similar ones, was framed as a development initiative, the gathering carried strong political undertones.
Sudi urged residents to remain loyal to President William Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are here to lift women, boda boda and small business saccos,” Sudi said, taking a swipe at critics of the activities.
“They tried to stop us in donating to churches, now they are on our case when we are empowering people,” the MP, a close ally of Ruto said.
He argued that it was upon Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki to concentrate on infrastructure.
The MP urged the Mt Kenya community to shun early 2027 politics and focus on what goodies they can draw from the government of the day.
“What has hurt us as Kenyans is tribalism. Why would we encourage politics of tribalism?” he asked.
MPs Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), Sabina Chege (Nominated), Veronica Maina (Nominated, Senate) and former MP Priscilla Nyokabi were in attendance.
At the same time, the Deputy President was making his own strategic appearances in the region, reinforcing his influence.
Yesterday, he held a separate function in Laikipia, disbursing compensation to wildlife attack victims while also delivering assurances on security and infrastructure projects.
Requests for roads, electricity and water projects were floated by the leaders who joined the DP.
Kindiki pledged to help the area get more police reservists and police officers to maintain order in the region.
The simultaneous activities highlighted the competing efforts to secure political support in Mount Kenya.
The region has shown signs of waning allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza government.
While Ichung'wah defended the empowerment programmes as grassroots economic initiatives, critics questioned the use of state resources for politically timed donations.
High-profile delegations of Kenya Kwanza MPs are scheduled to descend on the region in a carefully orchestrated display of grassroots engagement.
The simultaneous activities by different factions of the Kenya Kwanza leadership highlight the escalating battle for control of Mount Kenya.
The events, coming just days after Gachagua hosted opposition figures, show a deliberate move to counter the former DP's recent manoeuvres and a bid to shore up support for Ruto in the region.
The aim is to checkmate Gachagua and other dissenters who have sought to position themselves as alternative power brokers in Mount Kenya.
Gachagua’s recent hosting was widely interpreted as a message to Ruto that he still commands significant sway, despite his falling out with the presidency.
As proven in 2022 and in other past elections, the region has historically played a decisive role in determining the country’s political direction.
The region’s voters, long considered a dependable voting bloc for the ruling coalition, have recently exhibited signs of disillusionment, a situation worsened by economic hardships and perceptions of unmet promises.
Critics have, however, raised questions about the timing and funding of these empowerment initiatives, with some suggesting the possible use of state resources.
Instant Analysis
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the political game in Mount Kenya is set to intensify. Ruto’s camp is working aggressively to lock in support, while Gachagua is positioning himself as a kingmaker. The region’s voters, meanwhile, say they are watching closely and will weigh the promises of empowerment against the realities of their daily struggles.
