Newspapers on Wednesday, December 10, discussed various topics, with the politics of 2027 dominating the pages; President William Ruto is looking to get at least 2 million votes in Mt Kenya.
Source: UGC
1. Nation Today
Associates of the President William Ruto in the Mt Kenya area they have started an ambitious plan to get at least two million votes for his re-election bid in 2027.
The strategy involves dividing the region into electoral blocs to counter the growing influence of the Opposition Coalition.
In the 2022 election, Ruto won 87% of the votes in Mount Kenya, which made up almost half of the votes that sent him to the White House.
However, his relationship with the region has deteriorated, with growing divisions, strikes and infighting within the UDA party, which previously held more than 95% of the seats in the region.
The results start from the removal of the former vice president Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024 after just two years in office.
Since then, Gachagua has launched the People’s Democratic Party (DCP) and is positioning it as a political tool for Mount Kenya to prevent Ruto from returning to power.
He has collaborated with opposition leaders such as Kalonzo MusyokaEugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, Fred Matiang’i and Kerrar Seki to form the Wantam movement.
The alliance aims to unite the regions behind a joint effort to stop Ruto in 2027, with Gachagua playing a central role in the new opposition alliance.
Gachagua accuses Ruto of trying to break the Mount Kenya vote by funding loyalist parties, lobbying community leaders, and using government aid as a tool for political negotiation.
Ruto’s allies have vowed to curb Gachagua’s growing influence in the region.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed him as a “tribal chief” trying to claim ownership of Mount Kenya.
Civil Service Public Relations Officer Geoffrey Ruku said that even division is better than the risk of the region being locked out of government.
He cited the UDA’s victory in the Mbeere North by-election in November 2025 as proof that the party is gaining strength again.
The Mount Kenya region has more than four million registered voters, and Ruku believes 47% of Ruto’s support will come from other regions, giving the president the two million votes he needs.
The campaign begins in Mount Kenya East, including Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and parts of Kirinyaga.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyott said the region has always voted freely and freely, noting that it even gave Raila Odinga more than one million votes in 2022.
Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri said the program is already 10% complete, with the structure targeting 300 leaders, each expected to gather at least 4,000 followers.
This method can generate more than 1.2 million votes.
Deputy President Kithur Kindiki he promised greater youth mobilization, citing government loans of KSh 50,000, skills training and capital support for new companies.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi said Kindiki should remain Ruto’s running mate to protect the region’s political importance.
Lands Minister Alice Wahome expressed confidence that Ruto will win again, saying the president has a strong team of ordinary people.
But the Chairman of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, Wachira Kiago, warned leaders against plans to seize power.
He said the unity of Mount Kenya was built on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and warned that if poverty, ignorance and disease continue, voters may choose an alternative leadership as an act of patriotism.
2. Daily Nation
Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko plans to return to politics after many years away from active politics.
Sonko has registered a new political party known as the National Economic Development Party (NEDP).
On Tuesday, December 9, he received a certificate of full party membership and announced his intention to dominate city and national politics before the 2027 General Election.
“This is the party to watch. We are building a movement that will form the next government. Our foundation is economic reform, development and uplifting the lives of Kenyans,” Sonko said.
He announced that the party is open to people from all walks of life, including Kenyan youth who dream of meaningful change.
“We welcome everyone, from Generation Z to the elderly, from all political backgrounds. Anyone who believes in changing our country is welcome. Let’s work together. We are committed to serving Kenyans,” he said.
Sonko said that from next year, the party will visit universities to ensure that the opinions of young people are included in the formulation of policies.
He added that NEDP plans to field candidates in all electoral seats across the country in 2027, including the presidency.
“The presidential candidate does not have to be Sonko. Anyone who wants to run will be allowed to compete. We believe in democracy, and this is an independent party,” he said.
Sonko also noted that despite being removed from power in 2020 and losing the subsequent court case, he has not given up on opposing the decision.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
