The Star newspaper’s Saturday edition has sparked speculation among Kenyans about whether President William Ruto has subtly started sidelining his new Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
This discussion arises from reports suggesting that Ruto has assigned Kindiki the delicate task of reclaiming the Mt Kenya region for Kenya Kwanza.
The move is reportedly aimed at sidelining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and reducing his political influence.
Political analysts such as Herman Manyora and Macharia Munene, who shared their insights with The Star, believe this could be a strategic test for Kindiki.
According to Manyora, Ruto may be gauging Kindiki’s ability to handle the political complexities of the Mt Kenya region.
If Kindiki fails to neutralize Gachagua, who still holds significant influence despite being out of office, his position as Deputy President could be at risk in the 2027 elections.
Ruto may then feel compelled to choose a running mate from a region more aligned with his political ambitions.
This assignment places Kindiki in a precarious situation.
Gachagua, despite being impeached, continues to have a loyal base in the region, making him a formidable figure to confront.
Kindiki must sail through this complex terrain carefully, as any misstep could jeopardize not only his current position but also his political future.
The decision to sideline Gachagua further highlights the political recalibration taking place within Kenya Kwanza.
Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President was marked by controversies and a leadership style that often clashed with Ruto’s approach.
By entrusting Kindiki with the task of neutralizing Gachagua’s influence, Ruto appears to be making a calculated move to consolidate his control over the Mt Kenya vote bloc.
This shift could redefine the political alliances in the region, as leaders and voters alike reassess their loyalty.However, Kindiki’s success is far from guaranteed.
He must contend with the loyalty many in Mt Kenya still feel towards Gachagua, as well as the perception that he is merely executing orders from Ruto.
Any perception of weakness or inability to deliver could erode his credibility and make it difficult for him to gain the trust of the region’s electorate.
At the same time, his success could solidify his position within Kenya Kwanza and potentially make him a strong contender for future leadership roles.
As Kindiki embarks on this challenging mission, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the political landmines in the Mt Kenya region.
The outcome of this endeavor will not only shape his political trajectory but could also have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
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