A group of Mount Kenya MPs has publicly endorsed National Assembly Speaker Hon Moses Wetangula as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
Led by Kinagop MP Hon Thuku, the MPs emphasized that there is no pre-ordained rule that a Kikuyu must lead the country.
This statement comes as a significant departure from the long-held perception that the Mount Kenya region holds a strong sway over national politics. The endorsement of Wetangula, a prominent figure from the Western region, signifies a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.
This move also coincides with Wetangula's steadfast stance on maintaining the independence of his Ford-Kenya party amidst calls to fold it into the UDA. This resistance to consolidation may reflect a broader political strategy to preserve regional and ethnic identity in the face of increasing centralization within the ruling party.
Moreover, the endorsement of Wetangula by the Mount Kenya MPs is a clear indication of growing discontent within the UDA party. The recent push to expand the party's leadership structure to include three Deputy Party Leaders has been met with resistance from allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This internal friction within the UDA may have contributed to the MPs' decision to openly support Wetangula, signaling a potential rift within the ruling coalition.
As the political climate heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, the endorsement of Wetangula by Mount Kenya MPs marks a significant moment in Kenya's political history. It not only challenges the traditional power dynamics within the UDA party but also opens up the possibility of a more diverse and inclusive political landscape in the future.