Political Alliances Shift as 2027 Race Takes Shape
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s political landscape is undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2027 General Election, with tensions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), shifting alliances in the Mt Kenya region, and growing cooperation between UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) reshaping the country’s political direction.
The developments follow the political fallout between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose influence in the Mt Kenya region continues to affect calculations ahead of the next election.
UDA and the Mt Kenya Contest
The Mt Kenya region, which overwhelmingly backed President Ruto in 2022, has emerged as a key battleground as political leaders compete for influence.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei recently claimed that UDA plans to field candidates within rival political formations aligned to Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
“We are going to have our candidates in UDA and also in DCP,” Cherargei said while speaking at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
The remarks highlighted growing competition between factions aligned to the President and those supporting Gachagua.
Several leaders elected on UDA tickets in 2022 have recently expressed support for Gachagua’s political movement, particularly in parts of the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua’s Growing Influence
Since his impeachment in 2024, Gachagua has intensified grassroots mobilisation efforts across the Mt Kenya region.
Political analysts say he is attempting to consolidate support by presenting himself as a defender of regional political interests.
Professor Macharia Munene said recent political developments suggest the President may face a more competitive political environment in the region than in 2022.
“For the record, it will not be business as usual,” Munene said.
Kindiki’s Role in UDA
UDA has also moved to reaffirm Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as President Ruto’s running mate for the 2027 election.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed speculation about possible changes to the deputy president position following discussions around cooperation between UDA and ODM.
“Professor Kindiki is our Deputy President and running mate in 2027,” Omar said during a press briefing earlier this year.
Political observers say Kindiki’s leadership style differs significantly from Gachagua’s and reflects the administration’s attempt to project stability and continuity.
Divisions Within Mt Kenya
Analysts say political competition between leaders from Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West is increasingly shaping the region’s politics.
Leaders from Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi have argued that eastern parts of the region have historically faced political marginalisation.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire recently called for what she described as a “political renaissance” in Mt Kenya East.
Meanwhile, Gachagua has accused the government of attempting to divide the region politically ahead of the 2027 polls.
UDA-ODM Cooperation
Another major development is the growing cooperation between UDA and ODM.
ODM leaders have reportedly pushed for electoral zoning arrangements in some of the party’s traditional strongholds, including Nyanza and parts of the Coast region.
However, some UDA leaders have opposed the proposal, arguing that political competition should remain open.
Hassan Omar said no region should be considered exclusive to one political party.
“The Coast belongs to the people of the Coast,” he said during a public event in Mombasa.
Political analysts say negotiations between the two parties could play a major role in shaping alliances ahead of the election.
Civil Society Concerns
Civil society organisations have raised concerns about increasing ethnic-based political mobilisation ahead of 2027.
Speaking during a governance forum in Kisumu, activists under the Tupigane na Ufisadi initiative warned that identity politics could shift attention away from accountability and service delivery.
“We are already seeing a worrying trend where attention is shifting from service delivery to political alignments,” said TUNU Project Coordinator Ken Anjejo.
Questions Ahead of 2027
Political analysts say several questions remain unresolved ahead of the election cycle, including whether Mt Kenya will vote as a unified bloc and whether cooperation between UDA and ODM can survive internal disagreements.
Observers also say economic performance, governance, and public trust are likely to remain central campaign issues as political alliances continue evolving.
With more than a year remaining before the 2027 polls, Kenya’s political landscape remains fluid, with parties and leaders repositioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive election.