Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has stated that no politician from Mt Kenya can currently claim to be the undisputed political kingpin of the region. According to Atwoli, the Mountain is split among several influential leaders, making it difficult for any one politician to claim dominance over the region. This assertion comes amid an intensifying debate over who will emerge as the leading political voice in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atwoli made these remarks during an interview with Citizen TV, where he argued that political support in Mt Kenya was spread across different personalities. He cited Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as an example of a young leader with a good following in the Mountain. Atwoli's comments suggest that the region's political landscape is diverse, with multiple leaders vying for influence.
Atwoli also ruled out retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as an undisputed political kingpin, despite his continued influence in national politics and his historical ties to the region. According to Atwoli, nobody in the Mountain can claim to be the kingpin, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. This statement is likely to stir debate among political analysts and Mt Kenya residents.
The Mt Kenya region has traditionally been a key political constituency, with presidential contenders seeking to secure its support because of its large voter population. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been seeking to consolidate his influence in the region through the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also maintained a strong presence in Mt Kenya as part of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Other politicians, including K Nyoro, have continued to cultivate their own support bases in the region, adding another layer to the debate over who commands the Mountain. The competing efforts have raised questions over whether Mt Kenya will eventually rally behind one political figure or whether its vote will be distributed among several presidential and parliamentary formations.
Atwoli also spoke about the political leadership of Western Kenya, where he identified Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as the region's “three undisputed leaders”. According to Atwoli, these leaders have told him that the country should remain under the current two-term arrangement for stability.
Atwoli also addressed the ambitions of younger opposition politicians, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Atwoli acknowledged Sifuna as a leader but said his time to take on a bigger national role had not yet arrived. With the 2027 general election approaching, Atwoli's comments are likely to influence the political discourse in Kenya.
Key points
- No politician from Mt Kenya can currently claim to be the undisputed political kingpin of the region.
- The Mt Kenya region is split among several influential leaders, making it difficult for any one politician to claim dominance.
- Atwoli also spoke about the political leadership of Western Kenya, identifying three undisputed leaders in the region.
