The reemergence of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has elicited political excitement amidst concerted efforts by top politicians to secure his support for the 2027 battle with President William Ruto.
Uhuru is the undisputed Mt Kenya kingpin and wields immense influence in the vote-rich region.
This is especially so after the recent political persecutions of ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which appear to confirm his warning to the region against Ruto’s Presidency.
Both Gachagu and Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka have been squaring off to catch Uhuru’s attention and endorsement as his political heir.
Whoever gets the former President’s support gains control of Mt Kenya, boosting their chances of ascending to the highest office in the land.
The duo has been silently engaged in crafting formidable 2027 political machines.
With Gachagua set to be kicked out from UDA, a Kalonzo-Gachagua card could also be in the offing.
Some quarters talk of a possibility of the two leaders teaming up together and with Uhuru’s support, give Ruto a run for his money.
Gachagua, who was a sworn critic of the former President, has publicly and on numerous occasions apologised to Uhuru and his family.
It however remains to be seen who will play second fiddle, especially if the ousted Deputy President manages to overturn his impeachment and thus qualify for future elections.
Political pundits are sceptical about whether the vote-rich region will buy the Kalonzo candidature.
According to Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, there are all indications that Mt Kenya will have a candidate to face Ruto - even if this is not Gachagua.
“Anyone campaigning while riding on the Gachagua predicament is simply escorting a girl to a date. Central region will have a credible candidate at the penultimate hour and he will receive votes to the maximum,” Amisi said.
Political analyst Daniel Orogo also observed that the mountain will field a candidate.
“Central Kenya will not – and mark my words – support anyone. After recent developments, they are saying if that is what their vote can do for them, then let them remain with their vote even if they are losing,” he said.
Even as the political storm brews ahead of the 2027 poll, Uhuru, who chairs the Azimio la Umoja council, has maintained a calculated silence about his next steps.
His appearance last week – after months away from public view and at the height of Gachagu’s tribulations - has generated national conversations.
He spoke to a local popular radio station, Kameme FM, which broadcasts in Kikuyu language.
The former President however kept off the stormy political developments and instead asked Kenyans to maintain peace.
In a phone call with the station, the former head of state downplayed the political happenings and insisted he is at peace with everyone.
“Remain united and keep the peace, that is the only way to hold the country together. Nowadays I am enjoying peace and thank God for the gift of well being,” Uhuru told the vernacular station on his 63rd birthday celebrations.
Other reports indicate the ex-President could be quietly grooming Kalonzo, a one-time presidential contender, to be the joint opposition candidate.
Tellingly, the Wiper boss has been endorsed by Uhuru’s Jubilee Party plus a number of Azimio parties, including Eugene Wamalwa’s DAPK.
Kalonzo, the senior most politician in the opposition now, is determined to secure the backing of Mount Kenya in what could be his second stab at the top job.
He has been making crucial strides in uniting the Kikuyu and Kamba communities, a key bloc he is keen to woo to catapult his 2027 presidential bid.
To endear himself to Mt Kenya, Kalonzo was unequivocal his Wiper Party would not support the impeachment of Gachagua.
Party MPs who defied his directive are staring at ruthless disciplinary action.
“Every member of the party, you are either in the party or you have joined UDA. Don’t even wait to be disciplined; you can ditch the party and join UDA,” Kalonzo said last week.
We must respect the party, we took a position as a party and stated clearly that was not our war.” Kalonzo has also intensified trips to Mt Kenya, spending most of the weekends in the last three months attending functions in the area.
Apart from the trips he has made to the region, the Wiper boss was also the only high-ranking politician who visited Gachagua at Karen Hospital to show support for the ailing Deputy President.
In the past, the Wiper boss has spoken of plans to work with the region’s leaders including Gachagua and Uhuru.
“We are building a strong team and we are inviting all leaders who want to change Kenya in real-time and in the right direction. Without fear of intimidation, I have just talked to Uhuru on the phone before coming to this place. Uhuru had forewarned you and we want such straightforward leaders,” Kalonzo said during a church function in Othaya, Nyeri county, in July.
Nonetheless, the Saboti MP has warned the Wiper boss against banking on Uhuru for his Presidential bid.
Amisi said Uhuru’s influence may not translate to any vote for the former Vice President, citing the last elections where the retired President unsuccessfully supported the Azimio candidate Raila Odinga.
“Kalonzo believes a former President, who never helped the enigmatic Baba become President, when he had all the power can now magically help him become President just because Kikuyus are annoyed with Ruto,” Amisi said.
“Kenya needs a renaissance,” he added.