Uhuru nominees face uphill task in delivering Mt Kenya to Ruto

Trade, Investment, and Industry Cabinet Secretary nominee Lee Kinyanjui. [File, Standard]

The nomination of three political figures from the Mount Kenya region to join the Cabinet has raised debate countrywide, but it is more tense in the politically restive region.

President William Ruto’s move appears to have stirred the hornet’s nest, considering that the region has of late become a bastion of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The trio of Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo not only face an uphill task of rallying a rebellious Mt Kenya region behind Ruto but also turning around the economic plan to favour the hustlers.

The President’s decision to rope in the trio, who are close associates of his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, into his administration appears to have plunged the former president at the centre of the country’s power matrix.

The three are, nevertheless, accomplished political operatives with solid and impeccable track records in public service.

The question is, however, do they enjoy enough political influence and support to soften the hearts of the voters in the region?

Analysts perceive the President’s decision as twofold. Frst, his attempt to bolster his government’s dwindling political fortunes due to mounting socio-economic problems, and second, his attempt to ensure Mt Kenya region remains under his stranglehold ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts argue that the nomination of the trio is a poisoned chalice as their political careers and standing in the public domain could be very easily diminished if their input fails to positively impact the lives of Kenyans.

The appointment could also catapult the trio to another political level and boost their stature at the national political theatre if the government turns around people’s economic fortunes.

Sections of analysts further argue that President Ruto’s action was laced with sinister motives as it was part of his wider scheme to weaken the opposition as he trains his eye on his 2027 re-election game plan.

They, however, observe that intense radicalisation of the people at the grassroots, which started in the run-up to the last General Election and escalated following the impeachment of Gachagua had made Mt Kenya residents to oppose any decision by the President and the government.

Whereas some observers perceive it as a good move by the President to seek help to rescue the country from plunging into political turmoil, others argue that Ruto was treating Kenyans to an endless game of musical chairs.

Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando says the changes were a mere game of musical chairs which do not positively impact the lives of the people.

Kabando says the wave of discontentment amongst the people across the country with the Kenya Kwanza administration could not be contained by political gimmicks and mere acts of political survival.

“The problems facing the country are many and the clouds have been gathering. Kenya can change but President Ruto cannot change. He has been in position of leadership in close to 27 years, all of which he has been at the centre of scandals,” Kabando said.

The former assistant minister in President Kibaki’s administration says the country was on the edge due to failure by the State to resolve pressing challenges facing the citizenry.

The politician argues that Kenyatta’s rating nationally was going down as citizens perceived him as working in cahoots with President Ruto to frustrate their efforts to uproot a “repressive and incompetent administration”.

Victor Ngatia, a social justice and good governance advocate, argues that by appointing people who are not members of UDA into the government, “the President has acknowledged that there is a problem in his administration and that he was treading on a slippery ground as he heads towards the 2027 elections.”

Mr Ngatia further says that whereas the President argued that his decision was influenced by desire to enhance service delivery, “this was a political act which was laced with 2027 politics.”

The analyst opines that President Ruto’s decision to included key personalities in what he refers to as broad-based government was slowly killing the opposition and slowing the momentum of change.

“In as much as it is good for competent leaders to join the government and rescue it from eventual collapse and degeneration of the country into anarchy, it is incumbent upon Mt Kenya leaders to put their house in order ahead of 2027 elections,” added Ngatia.

Political analyst Andrew Nyabuto says whereas the trio had a track record in public service, “they have to be given a conducive environment for them to deliver.”

The analyst adds that the political ramification of the appointments on Mt Kenya political landscape would largely depend on the performance of the government.

“If the government manages to live up to the aspirations of the people by the time elections are called, then the trio will be highly regarded in Mt Kenya region. But if the situation continues to worsen, their political career will be ruined,” Nyabuto said, adding:

“The political dynamics in Mount Kenya have been changing by the day and leaders will be held accountable for their actions. The ability of the three nominees to influence politics in the region will be determined by their performance in the government.”

Kimani wa Kimani, who served as advisor on youth affairs in inaugural Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua’s administration, agrees with the sentiments. 

“The trio is to bring on the table their knowledge, experience, competent and professionalism in management of public affairs. As to whether they will excel or not as Cabinet ministers, it will depend on the environment they will find themselves in when they assume office,” he said.

But Kimani cautioned that it will be an uphill task for Kenya Kwanza to appease those dissatisfied.

“Many people are fed up with the Ruto administration as it is perceived to be the source of all their problems. The nominees have a task to change this perception,” he said.

Veteran politician Njenga Mungai says Kinyanjui had, over the years, demonstrated his leadership acumen from the time he was first elected as MP for the then Nakuru Town. This, he says, could endear him to some people.

“Kenyans also saw how Kinyanjui handled issues while serving as the chairman of the National Transport and Safety Authority,” Mungai said.