President William Ruto appears to be seeking for new alliances to better his governance during his first term and build political support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Significant lobbying is alleged to be taking on behind the scenes, with Ruto attempting to build new political alliances with governors, party leaders, Members of Parliament, and other politicians in order to maintain his position as president and presidential candidate in 2027.
During a phone chat with The Standard, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji stated that the president's role is to unite Kenyans and support national progress.
He stated that a political alliance is forming behind the president's discussions with other leaders, which could lead to more political support for Ruto.
"Unlike his predecessor, the president worked with everyone, even the opposition, to create the country. We recognize that it will be good to future politicians, but we are one nation. Politics should not divide us. "We are a family," Mukunji stated.
Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru), Paul Otuoma (Busia), and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) are among those seen as new allies of President Ruto, having attended a number of events and delegations.
Sabina Chege, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, and Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwuor (Jalang'o) are among those who favor the new alignment. This group also includes Adan Keynan (Eldas MP) and Kanini Kega, an East African Legislative Assembly politician from Jubilee.
Ojienda, Jalang'o, Omondi, Ochanda, and Odhiambo, all elected on the ODM ticket, face expulsion for publicly supporting Ruto. They have been hosted at the State House on various occasions and have participated in grassroots activities with the president.
The president, who has formed a political alliance with Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in preparation for the 2027 elections and a handshake agreement with opposition leader Raila Odinga for the AU Commission Chair position, is taking advantage of this opportunity to form new alliances in opposition strongholds.
These developments occur as tensions between President Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua intensify, causing more fractures within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001497375/cracks-in-ruling-kenya-kwanza-force-ruto-to-eye-new-alliances