President Ruto’s recent Cabinet appointments from Mt. Kenya are facing backlash due to rising anti-government sentiments. Key officials might have compromised their re-election prospects, especially if economic conditions fail to improve. Political commentators suggest these roles could serve more as a retirement phase than a pathway to political revival, further complicating future elections in the region.
Recent appointments of officials from Mt. Kenya to President William Ruto’s Cabinet have potentially jeopardized their prospects for re-election amid a growing anti-government sentiment in the region. Key figures such as CSs Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo were sworn in on January 17, 2025. Their appointments were initially intended to quell hostility towards Ruto following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, yet their political future may remain uncertain, especially if economic conditions do not improve.
Despite holding substantial positions within the Cabinet, the officials face significant challenges in securing public support in Mt. Kenya, which has shown increased discontent towards Ruto’s government. Kinyanjui’s ambitions to reclaim his former gubernatorial seat in Nakuru are complicated by political rivals and his previous opposition to Ruto’s 2022 presidential campaign. Observers, including political commentator Gibson Wambugu, suggest that these appointments might be perceived more as a retirement plan than a path to political rejuvenation.
In Laikipia County, while former Governor Ndiritu Muriithi might have a stable political future, the ongoing political shift suggests that previous leaders may struggle to galvanize support. Dennis Mwangi, a political analyst, warns that the pervasive anti-Ruto sentiment complicates Kinyanjui’s potential backing of the President in future elections. The failure to overcome anti-incumbent attitudes could have dire ramifications for the re-election efforts of Ruto-aligned candidates.
The recent political landscape has shown severe disenchantment with Ruto’s administration, particularly with Gachagua’s removal leading to negative public sentiment. Residents in counties like Embu and Murang’a have resisted the President’s overtures of sympathy. Former Nyeri Town MP indicated that the Mt. Kenya electorate decisively intends to oppose Ruto’s candidacy in upcoming elections, regardless of party sentiment.
As political tensions rise, Dr. Charles Ng’ang’a from JKUAT notes Gachagua’s ongoing activities to rally support within Mt. Kenya. Through meetings with former political figures and open criticisms of Ruto’s leadership, Gachagua aims to reclaim his standing as a regional leader ahead of the 2027 elections. If anti-Ruto sentiments persist, the recent Cabinet appointees will face formidable challenges in pursuing any elective offices in the future.
The recent Cabinet appointments of Mt. Kenya politicians highlight the precarious political landscape they navigate, facing significant local opposition amid declining support for President Ruto. If the anti-government sentiments persist, their chances of re-election may be severely hindered, demonstrating the complexity of local political dynamics in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Consequently, the choices made by these appointees could have lasting implications for their political careers.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
