People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua (left) with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/The Standard
By Wanderi Kamau
The Mt Kenya region is set to unveil its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 General Election in June, during the much-anticipated Limuru III Conference Season Two, Newsflash has learnt.
This strategic political gathering will mark a turning point in efforts to unite the region ahead of the next polls and counter President William Ruto’s growing influence.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni confirmed the plans, saying the region must now consolidate its political voice and rally behind a single presidential contender from Mt Kenya. “There are very many people who are vying for presidential leadership in the opposition. We have people who have voiced different names, different opinions, and it is now necessary for us to come together,” said Kioni.
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According to him, the region has learned from the 2022 political missteps and is determined not to repeat them. “The only weapon left for William (Ruto), which is to have a divided region, is off the table for us,” he declared.
The Limuru III Conference is shaping up to be a crucial test for opposition unity and a chance to rebuild a cohesive Mt Kenya political front. Organizers say the gathering will draw political heavyweights from the region, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is expected to attend after launching his own political outfit in late May.
Unity talks gain momentum ahead of June declaration
Gachagua is also expected to share a platform with former rivals, including Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) head Martha Karua, in a powerful show of unity. The two, who previously clashed over the direction of Mt Kenya politics, are reportedly warming up to a joint approach ahead of 2027.
“We shall have a method as a party: What reasons will make us support you? What is your agenda? We shall read your history,” said Munya, underlining that the endorsement will not be automatic but based on merit and alignment with the region’s aspirations.
The Limuru III conveners have extended invitations to a broad spectrum of Mt Kenya leaders, among them former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi, Justin Muturi, and Munya. The goal, sources say, is to ensure all factions bury their political differences and speak with one voice as the region charts its path toward 2027.
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Kioni emphasized that unity was critical to dislodging President Ruto’s grip on power. “We will be inviting all other political parties that have leadership in that region so that we again remain clear that the most important aspect before us as a region and as a country is: ‘Ruto must go!’”
All eyes will also be on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has maintained a low profile since Azimio’s 2022 defeat. There is growing speculation that he could anoint a political successor this time around, after failing to do so in the last election cycle—leaving the region in disarray.
The June announcement is expected shortly after Gachagua formally launches his new party, which many see as a vehicle to assert his leadership credentials and stake his claim as Mt Kenya’s top contender for 2027.
