NAIROBI, Kenya- A fresh political initiative to bring together Mt Kenya-based parties into a single coalition is taking shape, with former Attorney General Justin Muturi agreeing to convene leaders from different political formations in the region following a request by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The move could mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to consolidate Mt Kenya’s political voice ahead of the 2027 General Election, as parties seek to negotiate from a stronger position in potential national alliances.
Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has been pushing for greater coordination among Mt Kenya political parties, arguing that the region should first strengthen its bargaining power before deciding on broader coalition arrangements.
Muturi, who leads the Democratic Party (DP), is expected to play a central role in bringing together leaders from the region’s various political formations.
The initiative comes amid increased political activity in Mt Kenya, where several parties have emerged and existing parties are seeking to maintain their influence ahead of the next election.
From party competition to coalition talks
Gachagua has previously clarified that his proposal is not about dissolving parties into one outfit but rather about building a framework where different political formations can work together while maintaining their identities.
He has argued that parties should first consolidate support in their respective strongholds before negotiating the question of a joint presidential candidate.
The DCP leader has said that Mt Kenya has more than 30 political parties, creating a fragmented landscape that could weaken the region’s negotiating power if leaders approach the 2027 talks separately.
The proposed coalition would seek to bring together these interests under one umbrella.
The ‘Hyena Coalition’ remark
During his remarks, Gachagua jokingly suggested that the coalition could be called the “Hyena Coalition”, referencing remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale that sparked controversy among some Mt Kenya leaders following the Ol Kalou by-election.
Duale had used the term “hyenas” while making political remarks that were interpreted by some leaders as referring to political actors from the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua’s reference was framed as a political response to the controversy while highlighting the need for regional unity.
Why the coalition matters ahead of 2027
Political coalitions have historically played a major role in Kenyan elections, with parties often negotiating alliances based on regional support, numbers and bargaining power.
For Mt Kenya, which remains one of Kenya’s most populous voting blocs, the ability to present a coordinated political position could influence negotiations with other regions ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
A united regional coalition could provide a stronger negotiating platform on issues such as government representation, development priorities and political agreements.
However, bringing together multiple parties with different interests remains a major challenge.
The unity challenge
While there appears to be growing interest in coordination, questions remain over leadership, coalition structures and how competing ambitions will be managed.
The region has several political figures with national ambitions and different political affiliations, including leaders associated with DCP, DP, PNU and other parties.
The question of whether the coalition will agree on a common presidential position or operate mainly as a regional negotiating bloc is expected to shape discussions.
For now, the proposed meeting convened by Muturi could become the first major test of whether Mt Kenya parties can move from individual political strategies towards a coordinated approach ahead of 2027.
The emerging coalition talks signal that the region is positioning early for the political negotiations expected to define Kenya’s next electoral alliance landscape.
