President William Ruto with Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyajui (Trade), William Kabogo (ICT) and Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture). Photo/PSCU
By Newsflash Reporter
President William Ruto’s political maneuvers have sparked growing concerns within the Mt Kenya region, as signs of marginalization emerge.
The silence of newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui—leaders once seen as crucial in countering former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s influence—has raised questions about their actual political weight.
With a looming Cabinet reshuffle, speculation is rife that Ruto may further sideline Mt Kenya leaders, particularly those who were allied with Gachagua.
Read also: Revealed: The intrigues behind Peter Mbae’s resignation from top State job
Sources close to State House told Newsflash that Ruto is laying the groundwork for a political realignment that will gradually reduce the region’s influence in his government.
A calculated strategy to newtralise Gachagua
Ruto’s appointment of Kagwe, Kabogo, and Kinyanjui was initially perceived as a tactical move to weaken Gachagua’s grip on the region.
However, the trio has remained noticeably quiet, leading to whispers that they were merely symbolic appointees without real power. Their silence has left a political vacuum, fueling speculation that the President is intentionally keeping them at arm’s length.
Political analyst Kibe Ndung’u believes Ruto’s long-term goal is to dilute Mt Kenya’s dominance in government.
“These appointments were strategic but lacked substance. Ruto is playing a delicate game—appearing inclusive while quietly dismantling the region’s political influence,” says Ndung’u.
The looming Cabinet purge
The upcoming Cabinet reshuffle is expected to see the removal of several officials from Mt Kenya who were once aligned with Gachagua. The most vulnerable include Principal Secretaries and senior government officials who owe their political allegiance to the former DP.
A source within State House has hinted that Ruto is keen on eliminating any remnants of Gachagua’s influence in government. “The President wants absolute control over his administration. The Mt Kenya officials who remain loyal to Gachagua will be shown the door,” the source revealed.
Rift between Ruto and Mt Kenya leaders
This calculated move comes amid rising discontent within Mt Kenya, where leaders feel the region has not been adequately rewarded for its overwhelming support in the 2022 elections. Gachagua has in recent months grown more vocal about the region’s political and economic grievances, positioning himself as the de facto Mt Kenya kingpin.
His allies argue that Ruto’s recent decisions indicate an effort to undermine the region’s power. “Mt Kenya played a crucial role in Ruto’s victory. If he continues to push us out, he is setting himself up for serious political consequences in 2027,” says a legislator from the region.
The future of Mt Kenya in Ruto’s government
With Gachagua increasingly isolated, the region faces a critical choice—whether to continue supporting Ruto or to rally behind a new political force. Some leaders believe Ruto’s actions could open the door for Raila Odinga or another opposition figure to make inroads in Mt Kenya.
“If Ruto sidelines us, he risks alienating an entire voting bloc. The people of Mt Kenya are watching closely, and they will remember this when the time comes,” warns Jubilee Secratary-General Jeremiah Kioni.
As Ruto’s government moves towards a reshuffle, all eyes are on the President’s next steps. Will he continue marginalizing Mt Kenya, or will he seek to mend fences before it’s too late?
