KIAMBU, Kenya — Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has intensified calls for political realignment in the Mount Kenya region, using a visit to Kiambu County to highlight what he described as longstanding divisions within the region.
Ruku said political divisions in Mount Kenya have existed for years, dating back to the administration of former President Mwai Kibaki and continuing under successive governments.
He said his remarks were intended to remind residents of the region’s political history rather than create new divisions.
The CS spoke on Sunday while attending a church service at the Christian Church International (CCI) in Gatundu North, Kiambu County.
He was accompanied by Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and Taveta MP John Bwire.
Ruku defends Mount Kenya political push
Ruku said he had no grudge against residents of Mount Kenya West but took issue with criticism from leaders who have accused him of attempting to divide the region.
The CS’s comments come amid increasing political activity in Mount Kenya as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some leaders allied to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) have criticised efforts they perceive as attempts to fragment the region politically.
Ruku, however, argued that political alliances and alignments naturally change with circumstances and that residents should recognise the emerging political landscape.
He said his references to divisions within Mount Kenya were informed by the region’s political history and should not be interpreted as hostility towards any particular community.
Politics shaped by changing times
The Public Service CS argued that political realignments are influenced by changing events and circumstances.
He urged residents to embrace the political changes taking place rather than remain tied to previous political arrangements.
The remarks come at a time when politicians from the region are increasingly debating the best political direction ahead of 2027, with President William Ruto’s administration seeking to consolidate support while opposition-aligned leaders attempt to build an alternative political base.
Mount Kenya remains one of Kenya’s most politically significant regions because of its large voter population and its influence in national elections.
The region’s political direction is therefore expected to play an important role in determining the shape of alliances ahead of the next presidential election.
MP backs division of Mount Kenya
Gatundu South MP Elijah Njoroge backed Ruku’s position, arguing that the division of the larger Mount Kenya political bloc could have administrative and economic benefits for Kiambu.
Njoroge said the separation could pave the way for the creation of a separate Kiambu region.
He argued that Kiambu could secure a greater share of resources and representation if it operated independently as a region rather than remaining part of the broader Mount Kenya bloc.
The proposal introduces an administrative dimension to the political debate, although the comments did not amount to a formal government proposal to create a new administrative region.
The structure of Kenya’s counties and administrative units is governed by constitutional and statutory provisions, meaning any major changes would require the appropriate legal and institutional processes.
Leaders back Ruto administration
Other leaders attending the church service reaffirmed their support for President William Ruto’s administration and backed the emerging political realignment in Mount Kenya.
Their support comes as divisions continue to emerge between politicians aligned with the government and those supporting opposition figures and parties.
Ruto’s administration has been seeking to strengthen its political support in the region, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and leaders associated with the DCP have been building an alternative political network.
The competing efforts have intensified debate over whether Mount Kenya will maintain a unified political position or develop competing political blocs ahead of 2027.
Mount Kenya enters new political phase
For decades, Mount Kenya politics has played a major role in Kenya’s national elections, with regional leaders often seeking to negotiate political influence through national coalitions.
The region supported Mwai Kibaki’s presidential campaigns and later became a key political base for Uhuru Kenyatta.
In the 2022 election, the region largely backed Ruto, who went on to defeat Raila Odinga.
Since then, however, political differences have emerged within the region, particularly following Gachagua’s departure from government and the formation of new political alliances.
The emergence of the DCP has further complicated the political landscape, with some politicians positioning themselves against the current administration while others continue to support Ruto.
Ruku’s latest remarks therefore form part of a wider contest over political influence in Mount Kenya ahead of 2027.
