Mount Kenya Leaders Pledge Support for Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 Presidential Bid

The political leaders from the Mount Kenya region have stated that they will support Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in his bid for the presidency in the 2027 elections.

This declaration was made public by Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu during a fundraising event in Mwingi town on Sunday. Both politicians have emphasized their intention to form a broad alliance between the Mount Kenya and Kamba communities to challenge President William Ruto’s incumbency. According to Kioni, extensive grassroots consultations have taken place among leaders from the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities. These discussions have culminated in the decision to align with the Kamba community, effectively creating a revitalized Gema voting bloc.

The primary objective of this alliance is to present Kalonzo Musyoka as a unified presidential candidate to compete against President Ruto in 2027. The rationale behind the Mount Kenya region’s support for Musyoka stems from his perceived loyalty and historical backing of the area. Kioni highlights Musyoka’s support for the late President Mwai Kibaki in 2007 when ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Dr Ruto sought to challenge Kibaki’s presidency. According to Kioni, this act of solidarity has left a lasting impression on the region’s political memory.

“It is these and many other reasons we feel that this country deserves a leader who is calm and who can foster true national unity and reconciliation that we are rooting for Mr Musyoka, your son,” Mr Kioni said.

Criticism is also directed at the current political establishment with Kioni accusing Odinga of aligning with President Ruto to the detriment of Mount Kenya leaders, despite previously receiving substantial support from the region. Former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu expresses remorse for the Mount Kenya region’s previous support of President Ruto, which went against the advice of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Waititu admits that they were swayed by Ruto’s campaign promises, which included plans to alleviate poverty among youth and women through interest-free loans.

“We all fell for the sweet campaign promises Dr Ruto gave to the region and the country including to youth and women voters that they will be lifted out of poverty through interest-free loans” Mr Waititu said.

The political dynamics surrounding the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have also been addressed with Waititu suggesting that this move, initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, could potentially create divisions between the Kamba and Gikuyu communities. He emphasizes that Mutuse’s actions should not be conflated with the stance of the Wiper Party or the Kamba community as a whole.