The political landscape in Mt Kenya is witnessing a fierce battle for control of Azimio, with former governor Mwangi Wa Iria, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua, and Jubilee party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni at the forefront.
Karua, Kioni and Wa Iria who were instrumental in Azimio leader Raila Odinga's presidential vote-hunting efforts in the region, now find themselves at the centre of a complex and contentious battle for dominance.
However, recent developments have seen notable Jubilee members like nominated MP Sabina Chege and EALA MP Kanini Kega defecting from Azimio to declare their support for the Kenya Kwanza government.
Their shift to support President William Ruto’s government has left Karua, Kioni, and Wa Iria as the prominent faces of Azimio within the Mt Kenya region.
The coalition is now experiencing fractures as individual ambitions clash with collective goals.
The rift within Azimio became apparent following Raila's truce with Ruto, which left Karua and Kioni discontented, prompting them to pursue their own political agendas.
Their dissatisfaction culminated in the announcement of the Limuru III conference scheduled for April 19, signalling a potential split within the coalition.
Notably, Wa Iria's absence from the strategy meeting at Fiesta hotel in Ruaka, Kiambu, further highlighted the growing divisions within Azimio.
Instead, Wa Iria has been seen aligning himself with other political figures such as Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Kanu leader Gideon Moi, indicating a shift in allegiance away from Karua and Kioni.
Meanwhile, Wa Iria's aggressive campaigning, including the erection of numerous billboards bearing his image and his party's slogan, "USAWA kwa Wote," suggests a concerted effort to position himself for the 2027 presidential race.
With rumours circulating that he may aim to deputise Kalonzo or Moi in the event that Raila opts not to run for the presidency.
Political analysts say Wa Iria's efforts to court support from other Azimio member parties, coupled with strategic alliances with key political figures, suggest a calculated bid for presidency in the coming years.
They argue that the recent developments, including a meeting hosted by Moi that brought together Kalonzo, Wamalwa, and Wa Iria, indicate a realignment of political forces and the absence of Karua and Kioni speaks volume.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa during an interview with the Star, cautioned against premature campaigning, emphasising the need for Kenyans to focus on post-election recovery.
He argued that the mounting tensions and early political manoeuvring suggest that the battle for Azimio control in Mt Kenya is far from over.
Thang’wa downplayed the revival of Azimio in Mt Kenya noting that the region is fully behind Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
“The politics of succession should end, this is the time for service delivery and post-election recovery for the sake of growth and development. If the general election is held today, Mt Kenya will still rally behind Ruto and Gachagua, ”he said.
Political analyst Joseph Gachane said Wa Iria is trying to capitalise on former President Uhuru Kenyatta's absence from Mt Kenya politics and the ongoing debate over the region's political kingpin.
“By rallying other Azimio member parties around him, Wa Iria hopes to garner support for his 2027 presidential bid either as a candidate or a running mate, potentially paving the way for his exit from local politics,” Gachane said.
He anticipated further shifts in alliances, with the outcome likely to shape the region's political trajectory leading up to the 2027 general election.
“The struggle for dominance between Karua, Kioni and Wa Iria underscores the complexities of coalition politics and the pursuit of power in Kenya's dynamic political arena," he said.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu called on Mt Kenya leaders to shun divisive politics and support the current administration.
He said leaders should forget about their political affiliations and support unity of the region.
“Politics come and go but the unity of our people is paramount and we should forget any political affiliation and preach peace for the sake of our people,” Muriu said.
Former Ichagaki MCA Mwangi Ng’ang’a said as the battle for Azimio control intensifies, the political landscape in Mt Kenya remains fluid, with alliances shifting and new contenders emerging.
“As the battle for Azimio control unfolds, Mt Kenya's political landscape remains fluid, with alliances shifting and ambitions rising. The outcome of this power struggle will undoubtedly shape the region's political trajectory and influence the dynamics of the 2027 elections," he said.
Karua's recent response to Kalonzo's claim that she is not a viable candidate for the 2027 presidential race outlined a conflicting political ambitions.
Karua advised Kalonzo to concentrate on promoting his own candidacy, emphasising that ultimately, it is the voters who determine the most suitable political leader.
"My suggestion to my colleague Kalonzo Musyoka is to concentrate on showcasing his own capabilities and let the electorate decide who they believe is the most qualified," she said.
Kalonzo during a recent interview with Taifa Leo, said he is the most suitable candidate to lead the Azimio coalition nationally if Raila assumes the position of the next African Union Commission chairman.
Gachagua on Monday during interview with Kameme FM, warned leaders against engaging in petty politics of succession that can divide the country.
He urged Kioni and Karua to consult with him regarding the alleged planned Limuru III conference.
Asserting his position as a senior politician in the Mt Kenya region, Gachagua said it is important for him to be informed about matters concerning the region.
He expressed readiness to discuss any issues related to the region with leaders regardless of their political affiliations.
"I have heard about the Limuru III meeting. Both Kioni and Karua haven’t reached out to me as the senior-most politician in Mt Kenya. Being the regional leader, it falls upon me to convene such meetings. If they indeed have an agenda, my office doors are open, and they should feel free to reach out," Gachagua said.
He said if he is convinced, he will support any meeting that is aimed to bring peace across the region regardless of political affiliation.