President William Ruto might face a difficult path in the 2027 general elections if he undermines the Mt. Kenya region, a Kiambu County politician has warned.
The politician told the Head of State that his re-election will not be easy because the country is struggling economically, though he added that the situation can still be managed. Former KANU Kiambu branch chairman, David Mbiu, stated that Ruto needs to establish a firm strategy.
Mbiu believes that for Ruto to be re-elected, he must reach out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and several other knowledgeable and respected leaders. This, he argues, is necessary to develop strategies for enhancing the country’s growth and development.
”People need peace and a conducive environment to do business and coexist,” Mbiu said.
Mbiu noted that the President’s current mistake is distancing himself from politicians who command a huge following within the Mt. Kenya region.
”Our President should reconcile with Uhuru, Gachagua, and other respected leaders. Keeping away from them sends a sensitive political message to Mt. Kenya residents,” Mbiu added.
The politician further claimed that Ruto’s worst mistake in the 2027 elections would be losing Mt. Kenya’s support entirely by failing to retain DP Kithure Kindiki as his running mate or by choosing someone from outside the “Mountain.”
”His DP is the only person close to him who is from the Mountain. If he refuses to speak with our leaders and replaces Kindiki with someone else, we will know we are on our own. Ruto will lose Mt. Kenya support by a large margin,” Mbiu warned.
At the same time, Mbiu declared his interest in running for the Limuru parliamentary seat. The former official of the erstwhile ruling party said he is the best-suited candidate for the Limuru MP seat, noting that he has nurtured many politicians who have since been elected or nominated to Parliament and County Assemblies.
He revealed that he joined active politics during the reign of the late President Daniel Moi, who he says mentored him significantly.
”We started in politics when we were very young, in the late 1980s. However, I have never before declared interest in an elective post,” he said.
”In the coming election, I want to be elected so that I can steer the development of our constituency. We waste too much time trying to achieve results. I want to go there, partner with other leaders, and lobby for development,” he noted.
Speaking in Limuru town, Mbiu urged locals to remain peaceful, though he did not disclose which party ticket he would run on, saying it was still too early. He is expected to battle for the seat against incumbent John Kiragu, former MP Peter Mwathi, and business people Wanjiru Ndung’u and Kamau Livondo, among others.
