In a surprising turn of events, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is quietly orchestrating a coalition among his former allies in Central Kenya, aimed at forming a united front against his successor, President William Ruto.
Recent signs suggest that Kenyatta has been actively engaging in meetings with his political allies, particularly those who faced defeat in the 2022 elections, as part of a strategic comeback plan.
While the leaders publicly state that these gatherings are focused on addressing the high cost of living, the underlying agenda appears to be far more politically charged.
These meetings, some of which have taken place in Kenyatta's home county of Kiambu, have become platforms for heavy political criticism aimed at Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza administration.
During his ten-year presidency, Uhuru Kenyatta built a formidable influence in his Mt Kenya heartland, solidifying his position as the region's de facto political shepherd.
However, his political stature suffered a significant blow following his decision to support opposition chief Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential polls.
The intensified political activities orchestrated by Kenyatta are widely believed to be part of a comprehensive strategy to regain control of the region's politics, positioning himself as its political godfather.
A year after leaving office, Kenyatta's influence, initially written off after his defeat in the 2022 presidential ballot, has resurged as a major threat to his detractors.
Critics of Uhuru Kenyatta face additional challenges due to the soaring cost of living and the numerous unfulfilled pledges made during his presidency.
Kenyatta's team is strategically capitalizing on these issues to create discontent within Ruto's Mt Kenya camp, further complicating the political landscape.
Despite these developments, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has maintained that the region remains firmly behind President Ruto.
He asserts that Central Kenya will vote for Ruto's reelection as a cohesive bloc, challenging the narrative of a united front orchestrated by Kenyatta.
As the political dynamics in Central Kenya continue to evolve, the strategic manoeuvres of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta have added a layer of complexity to the political landscape.
The unfolding narrative suggests that Kenyatta is actively working to reclaim his political influence, setting the stage for a potentially transformative period in the region's political history.