Mt. Kenya must rethink its political strategy amid Ruto-Raila shifts - MP Njeri Maina

Maina highlighted the shifting dynamics in Kenyan politics, emphasizing the need for Mt. Kenya to adapt to potential realignments and evolving power structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

She pointed out that President Ruto's recent decisions, including nominating opposition figures to key government positions, signify a departure from his earlier position against power-sharing with the opposition. 

The MP also cited statements made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had previously opposed the idea of a coalition government with Raila Odinga even stating that he had laid traps to completely ward off the opposition chief from government and State House.

"Politics is about interests. There are no permanent enemies, there are no permanent alliances. There is nothing that is cast in stone." 

"...the deputy president asserted that ameweka mitego and that Raila will not get into government... the president has also pronounced himself in Mt kenya that Raila will not get into government and that there will be no nusu mkate. In politics, you can say this today and then tomorrow, depending on the alignments or interests that go about, you say something different. It is the politics of it," said Maina.

She further emphasized the need for Mt. Kenya to "rethink its politics and realignments" by considering all possible scenarios for 2027 and identifying where the region fits into the shifting political landscape.

Maina also highlighted the importance for both President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua to reassess their strategies, stating, "The DP has to rethink his politics in 2027. He has to see where he fits and know that with the new political realignments, we perhaps could see changes in 2027."

She added: "But also the President has to look at the facts on the table and where he got the numbers last time and where he will get the numbers in 2027."

"It is like having a wife and then having a new wife. He has to see whether they will co-exist, whether the new wife will replace the old one or they will do a 50/50."