Kenya is headed for a major political shift as the 2027 election draws closer. For the first time in many years, the Kikuyu community, which has always voted together, is now showing deep cracks.
This is a big change because the Kikuyu have always been one of the strongest forces in Kenyan politics. Since independence, they stood firmly behind leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta. In 2022, they strongly backed William Ruto, helping him win the presidency. But things have changed very fast.
Many people in Mount Kenya are now feeling angry and betrayed, especially after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. His removal has been seen as a clear attack on the region’s political and economic power, and the anger is spreading quickly.
Rigathi Gachagua was once seen as the clear leader of the Mount Kenya region. His voice carried a lot of weight, and many people believed he would protect the interests of the mountain. Now, after being pushed out of office, he is using the feeling of betrayal to gather support.
His message that Mount Kenya has been abandoned is starting to connect with many people. Residents who once trusted the government without question are beginning to feel they were used and then dumped. On the other side, President Ruto’s allies are doing all they can to calm the situation, but the damage may already be too big to fix.
They know very well that a divided Kikuyu vote could kill Ruto’s hopes of winning a second term.
At the same time, the confusion and anger are opening the door for other political players. Opposition leaders like Raila Odinga are seeing a new chance to talk to voters in Mount Kenya.
Even new, younger leaders from the Gen Z generation are stepping forward, offering fresh ideas and promising to fight for the people’s real problems like the high cost of living, unemployment, and corruption. The old style of voting based on tribe is losing strength.
More and more people are asking tough questions and thinking about their future instead of blindly following politicians because of ethnicity. The way things are going, Mount Kenya could end up being the region that decides the 2027 election in a very different way than before.
Instead of standing together behind one leader, the mountain may split in different directions. What is happening now is bigger than just Mount Kenya. It could change how politics is done across the whole country. The next few months will be very important, and all eyes will be on how Mount Kenya chooses to move forward.
