Immediate former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Justin Muturi, has sounded a stern warning to political leaders attempting to consolidate the Mt Kenya region under a single party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a church service in Mbeere North, Embu County, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, Muturi declared that the region’s voters had matured politically and would reject any leader trying to impose uniformity.
“Sasa, nimeona watu wakisema hii Mlima Kenya kutakua na chama moja. Never! Nobody should think they own the Mt Kenya region because locals will reject,” Muturi asserted.
His remarks come at a time of heightened political activity in the mountain, where debates are raging over whether the region should unite behind one political vehicle or maintain its tradition of diversity.
Political analysts were quick to link Muturi’s statement to the maneuvers of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Though Gachagua has not formally announced his strategy, his actions have signaled a push for Mt Kenya to rally behind the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP). He has repeatedly resisted partnerships with other pro-Ruto parties in mini-polls, positioning himself as the custodian of a unified regional bloc.
Observers argue that Gachagua’s stance is a high-stakes gamble that could either strengthen his influence or backfire spectacularly. The insistence on one-party dominance, they note, risks alienating sections of the electorate who view diversity as the hallmark of Mt Kenya politics.
Muturi, on his part, urged leaders to respect democratic space and allow residents to freely associate with political parties of their choice.
Pundits suggest that the coming mini-polls will serve as a litmus test for Gachagua’s one-party strategy. Win or lose, the outcome is likely to shape not only his political future but also the broader dynamics of the 2027 contest.
