For the first time in decades, the vote-rich Mount Kenya region became restive in 2023 amid a wave of disaffection and concerns over unmet promises.
The region, which has historically aligned with the government in office and exhibited unquestionable loyalty to the regime in power, started experiencing deep cracks.
The situation was further aggravated by the Kenya Kwanza government's delayed pledges and political battles linked to President William Ruto's succession politics.
Also at the centre of the rift were supremacy wars between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and a section of leaders positioning themselves in the regional and national succession matrix.
The vacuum left by the retirement of Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the apex of the region's political leadership played out as leaders battled to step into his shoes.
Uhuru's larger-than-life influence
In the 10 years he was President, Uhuru built a larger-than-life influence in his Mount Kenya heartland, which made him the region’s de facto political shepherd.
A year after leaving office, the ex-president’s sway — initially written off after his decimation at the 2022 presidential ballot — became a major threat to his detractors.
The situation was made worse by the skyrocketing cost of living coupled with many unfulfilled pledges which triggered unease in Ruto's Mt Kenya camp.
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku told the Star the high cost of living was giving every member of the coalition ‘sleepless nights’.
“It’s a serious matter and it’s a big concern to all of us in the coalition, including the President himself,” he said.
There became growing concerns among the confidants and troops of the President in Mt Kenya over the government’s failure to tame the runaway cost of living.
Ruto’s men became also jittery over the high taxes the state has imposed on crucial consumables, as most Kenyans struggle to put food on the table.
The region's leaders opposed the Kenya Kwanza government and started gaining traction with the people as the region remembered one year after Uhuru's exit.
Since unsuccessfully challenging former President Mwai Kibaki in 2002, then as Daniel Moi's anointed successor, Uhuru had quietly retreated and plotted his ultimate rise to power in 2013.
Many argued he learnt the ropes from Kibaki as he worked behind his shadow to finally emerge as the Mt Kenya kingpin following Kibaki's retirement in 2013.
However, unlike before when the succession was almost smooth and guaranteed, a wind of anger and resentment blew across Mt Kenya over succession plans.
Gatundu South residents' birthday wishes
The wave was exposed after a section of the region's leaders threw a birthday party to celebrate Uhuru in his absence as he turned 62.
There was a celebration at the president's Gatundu South backyard and at the Jubilee headquarters as his supporters celebrated his birthday on October 26.
The residents and traders who broke into song and dance as they cut a cake at Gatundu market, said they missed Uhuru and pleaded with him to visit them.
Led by Kamau Migwi, the residents said they are grateful for the development projects that the region witnessed during Uhuru’s tenure, adding that they will forever be indebted to the former head of state.
Migwi said multi-billion shillings development projects were implemented in the area citing tarmacking of roads, construction of Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, Gatundu modern market as well as mega water projects.
He also noted that the former President initiated the first University in Gatundu South—Mama Ngina University at Mutomo village—that has revolutionised higher learning and spurred growth in the area.
“Uhuru is a son of Gatundu South, and we are grateful and proud for the work he did for us and the entire country," Migwi said.
"For instance, at this market, traders used to operate under harsh climatic conditions, but he constructed a modern market for us. He will forever remain the best for us, we love him and we urge him to visit us soon."
Uhuru's speaks out on his birthday
The former president would later break his silence and in an interview with a local radio station and made a live call thanking Kenyans for the birthday wishes.
"Life begins at 40, I can guarantee you that because that age passed a long time ago. And where God has got us, we say thank you to him. We pray he continues keeping us in peace, and good health. We also pray for our country because it is also about to turn 60 years old," he said.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni was joined by other leaders as they celebrated Uhuru's birthday at the party's headquarters.
They used the occasion to reminisce about Uhuru's tenure and also reminded Kenyans of the consequences of their choices.
''The last year has been nothing but a loss for the people of Mt Kenya region,'' Kioni said over the Kenya Kwanza's unmet promises.
Kioni revealed that Mt Kenya was gradually drifting away from the Kenya Kwanza government because of ‘a litany of lies and schemes to undermine Uhuru’.
“Do not dismiss the influence of the former president because his past advice has come to pass and that makes him more influential,’’ the former Ndaragwa MP said.
“As you have already seen, the people who insulted Uhuru have come out and said they are ready for the handshake, however, it is too little too late.”
Social media was also awash with posts of Uhuru's achievements when he served as president and the rich legacy he left behind in many sectors including roads.
Uhuru had during last year’s campaigns told the region to vote for Azimio leader Raila Odinga, terming Ruto as corrupt and unfit to rule.
He held three meetings with Mt Kenya leaders at the Sagana State Lodge to rally the region against Ruto, but millions of voters defied him and voted for the Kenya Kwanza government.