Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has criticized politicians from the Mt Kenya region for pushing ethnic-based presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that such rhetoric risks deepening divisions and misreading the region’s political mood.
In a statement, Kuria accused unnamed leaders of exploiting anti–Mt Kenya sentiment to bolster their local popularity.
He argued that this strategy was effective in past elections when the region fielded presidential contenders but is now outdated and politically irrelevant.
Kuria claimed the Mt Kenya electorate is no longer fixated on producing a president, deputy president, or prime cabinet secretary. Instead, he suggested the region is prioritizing stability, economic interests, and strategic alliances over symbolic leadership positions.
According to the former CS, continued “Mt Kenya bashing” could be counterproductive and even dangerous, as it risks alienating a voting bloc that remains one of the most decisive in national elections.
He suggested that the region’s voters may simply back a candidate from another community in 2027 while focusing on their livelihoods and economic survival.
Mt Kenya has historically played a kingmaker role due to its high voter turnout and numerical strength.
Kuria’s remarks signal a shift in messaging, emphasizing influence rather than direct occupancy of top executive offices.
The statement comes amid early maneuvering for the 2027 race, with leaders across the country seeking regional alliances and recalibrating ethnic political strategies.
Debates over whether the region should field its own candidate or negotiate power-sharing arrangements have intensified in recent months.
Kuria’s comments are likely to spark debate within the region’s political class, where succession politics and post-2022 alignments remain fluid.