Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has projected that President William Ruto could secure a strong vote base in the Mt Kenya region in the next general election, citing what she describes as fast-changing political loyalties and shifting interests among local leaders and voters.
Her remarks come in the wake of recent political activities in the region, including outcomes and dynamics observed in the Mbeere North by-election, which she says offer lessons on how quickly political moods in Mt Kenya can change.
“The indicators are already out. Lessons from Mbeere North by-elections show that Mt Kenya can hype you today and drop you tomorrow,” she said.
Wamuchomba’s comments come at a time when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leading the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is working to consolidate his influence in the vote-rich region, alongside other emerging political formations.
She argued that political popularity in Mt Kenya is often fluid and subject to rapid shifts depending on prevailing interests.
“The speed at which goal posts are changing when interests shift tells you everything,” she said, adding that leaders should pay close attention to the evolving mood on the ground.
The MP also pointed to recent engagements involving community groups and religious institutions, suggesting that some actors who had previously taken critical positions against the government have recently altered their stance.
“It hasn’t even been seven days, the same Mau Mau elders who were loudly opposing are now finding their way to the DP’s residence after publicly criticising President William Ruto and I,” she said.
She further referenced political developments in Murang’a and Meru counties, noting what she described as shifting positions among groups such as the Wakurinu community and the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA), which she said had recently adjusted their tone in relation to government.
According to Wamuchomba, these movements point to a broader political reality in Mt Kenya where voters and opinion leaders are increasingly guided by strategic interests rather than emotional alignment or public rhetoric.
“When the moment comes, Mt Kenya will not follow noise, it will follow interests. Those who understand this will not be surprised when the mountain makes its final decision,” she said.
She also projected that President Ruto could perform strongly in the region if current political trends persist, estimating that he could secure a significant share of votes.
“President Ruto will garner over 4 million votes from Murima. The more they demonise him, the more the sympathy,” she said.
The remarks add to the ongoing political realignments in Mt Kenya as leaders position themselves ahead of the next election, with competition intensifying between government-aligned figures and emerging opposition blocs seeking to shape the region’s political direction.