By Anderson Ojwang
Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe’s book Things Fall Apart aptly captures the current political climate in Mt Kenya, which has, in recent times, revolved around President William Ruto.
President Ruto was regarded as God’s ‘anointed one’, sent to rescue the Murima from the “treacherous and rough hands” of then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, a scion of the founding father of the nation, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
For Mt Kenya, Uhuru’s choice of a presidential heir apparent was seen as an act of betrayal against Ruto, who had supported his candidacy. As a result, the region punished Uhuru by rejecting his chosen candidate, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Indeed, Mt Kenya overwhelmingly voted for Ruto in the 2022 presidential election, securing his victory. It was a bold and powerful statement against Uhuru and his allies.
However, now the centre can no longer hold. One by one, leaders are beginning their exodus. As the late South African reggae artist Lucky Dube sang in Back to My Roots, the Mountain is retreating to its original political base.
The party of Kenya’s third president, the late Mwai Kibaki, which was one of the coalition partners in the Kenya Kwanza alliance, has written to the Registrar of Political Parties, expressing its intention to withdraw from the coalition within 30 days.
In a letter signed by Secretary-General Dr Jacob Haji and Chairman Esau K. Kioni, dated 7th March and received on 12th March by the Office of Political Parties, the subject was titled: Re: Notice of Exit from Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
The letter stated in part:
“Kindly take notice that our stay in the Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments.
The Democratic Party of Kenya, through this letter, hereby gives a thirty (30) day notice to exit the coalition, as stipulated in the Termination Clause (8) of the Coalition Agreement. This notice is effective from the date of this letter.“
Interestingly, the Democratic Party (DP) was previously associated with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. In the run-up to the last general election, DP had fronted Muturi as its presidential candidate. Muturi officially resigned as the party leader in October 2022 to take up the role of Attorney General before later being appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
Muturi joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition in April 2022 as one of the principals. However, he has recently been at odds with President Ruto, straining their relationship.
Speaking during a Citizen TV interview, Muturi stated that he was not afraid of being dismissed from his position for openly criticising the government, particularly on issues related to abductions.
He dismissed calls for his resignation, arguing that stepping down would be an act of cowardice.
*”When I took the oath of office, I was acutely aware of the provisions of Article 132 on the powers of the hiring authority—to hire and fire.
But if I am fired for speaking against abductions and extrajudicial killings in this country, which are unconstitutional and which we, as a government, campaigned against and vehemently vowed would never happen under our watch—so be it.
I actively participated in the campaigns, and it would be morally wrong to resign. That would be cowardly. I am staying put and will continue speaking out when necessary.”*
Muturi further emphasised that President Ruto has not been known to renege on his promises to Kenyans, urging him to initiate an open inquiry into the reported extrajudicial killings.
“We cannot be killing our youth—they are the future of this country.“
Muturi also confirmed that the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP), with which he has been closely affiliated, will be formally withdrawing from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua set in motion a rebellion against President Ruto in the Mt Kenya region.
This political shift has led to the consolidation of previously warring factions, with People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua emerging as the convenor of the new political formation.
Rigathi recently posted on his X handle:
*”The People’s Liberation Party leader, Martha Karua, has assumed her role as our convenor, bringing us together to continue the work of liberating this country from the shackles of bad governance and corruption.
As a team, we understand where Kenyans want us to go and why, and what we need to do to get there. We are also quite clear on our primary focus as we move forward as a country.“*
The removal of Ndindi Nyoro from the powerful Budget and Appropriations Committee in Parliament, along with the subsequent purge of Rigathi’s allies from various committee leadership positions, has further fuelled tensions.
In changes moved by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, at least five MPs aligned with Gachagua have been demoted to the Services and Facilities Committee, which deals with catering services for legislators.
Those affected include:
- Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who had been chairing the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee
- Roysambu MP Mwafrika Augustine Kamande, who notably skipped President William Ruto’s Sunday service in his constituency
- Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, who was in the Lands Committee
- Mumias East MP Peter Salasya
Others who have been downgraded to less influential parliamentary committees include:
- Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, formerly chairperson of the Trade Committee, now moved to the Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library Committee
- Gatanga MP Edward Muriu
- Juja MP George Koimburi
- Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo
Political analyst Mike Agwanda noted that the prevailing political climate in the Murima region is so hostile and volatile that any party or politician wishing to survive must distance themselves from President Ruto.
“The centre can no longer hold in this union. Every child is now returning home. It is no longer at ease, and the DP’s move is just the tip of the iceberg in a broader political realignment in the Mountain,“ he said.
