Muhoho Kenyatta during the Brookside Livestock Breeders Show at Jamhuri Park. (Courtesy)
In a significant political development, President William Ruto is considering key Cabinet appointments, which may include Muhoho Kenyatta, the younger brother of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, along with former Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho.
According to sources close to the Kenyatta family, these discussions are part of an agreement reached during Ruto’s recent visit to Uhuru Kenyatta at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu South. Official statements from both sides confirmed that the leaders engaged in talks regarding pressing national and regional matters, with a particular emphasis on fostering inclusivity for national growth.
“I thanked him for his continued role as a national statesman and for peace making in the region,” President Ruto remarked in a follow-up statement, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in shaping the country’s future.
Behind-the-scenes discussions have also centered around the 2027 elections, with a focus on the evolving political dynamics in Mount Kenya. Observers note that there is growing concern over the influence of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. To counter Gachagua’s influence and recapture the Kikuyu vote, Ruto and Uhuru have reportedly agreed to appoint Muhoho, Kagwe, Kibicho, and Ndiritu Muriithi—former Laikipia Governor and nephew of former President Mwai Kibaki—to key government positions.
These appointments are viewed as part of a broader strategy to position Muhoho Kenyatta for a more prominent political role, potentially as Ruto’s running mate in the upcoming 2027 elections. The move is seen as part of a political grooming process, reminiscent of how former President Uhuru Kenyatta was groomed by former President Daniel arap Moi before assuming office.
Alongside Muhoho, other names under consideration for Cabinet positions include former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, known for his effective communication of government policies. Additional potential candidates for the reshuffle are Belgut MP Nelson Koech and current Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira.
The reshuffle will also involve the creation of new ministries focusing on gender and culture within the Public Service and Tourism sectors. Furthermore, Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir is expected to be reassigned to the Ministry of Interior, previously held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who has played a key role in the discussions between Ruto and Uhuru.
Muhoho’s entry into the political limelight represents an intriguing twist in Kenya’s evolving political landscape. Though he has remained largely behind the scenes during his brother’s presidency, his business acumen and strategic involvement in key national issues, such as the International Criminal Court challenges and the famous handshake between Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga, have positioned him as an influential figure.
Muhoho, a father of three, is highly regarded for his operational leadership style, which has been integral to the growth of the Kenyatta family’s business empire. His contributions extend beyond Brookside Dairies, which he co-founded in 1993, to the family’s stake in NCBA Bank.
The potential Cabinet appointments and strategic political moves involving Muhoho Kenyatta and other figures from the Kenyatta family portend several significant shifts in the political landscape of both the Kenyatta family and Mt Kenya politics.
1. Reassertion of Kenyatta Family Influence
The Kenyatta family, long a dominant force in Kenyan politics, has largely been on the sidelines since Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency ended in 2022. However, the possible inclusion of Muhoho Kenyatta in key government positions signals a deliberate attempt to maintain the family’s political influence, especially as the 2027 elections approach. Muhoho’s entry into politics could see the Kenyatta family reassert its traditional political dominance in the Mt Kenya region, which has been increasingly contested by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other local leaders.
By positioning Muhoho for a more prominent role, President Ruto appears to be acknowledging the political weight of the Kenyatta family, and this could also serve to mend any lingering tensions between the two families. If Muhoho becomes more involved in the Cabinet, it could mark a new chapter in the Kenyatta family’s political legacy, particularly in grooming him as a future leader, possibly as Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
2. Political Grooming of Muhoho
Muhoho’s potential rise within the government is seen as a grooming strategy, not just for Cabinet roles but potentially for the presidency. His relatively low-key presence during his brother’s tenure, combined with his background in business and behind-the-scenes political influence, positions him as a figure who could appeal to both the political elite and the electorate. This parallels the political trajectory of his brother, Uhuru, who was similarly groomed by former President Daniel arap Moi before becoming president.
Muhoho’s introduction into the political arena is likely to bring a fresh dynamic to Mt Kenya politics, with his business acumen and involvement in high-level negotiations (such as the famous handshake between Uhuru and Raila Odinga) providing him with a unique platform to unite diverse political factions. This could help bridge any rifts within the Kikuyu community and beyond, particularly as Ruto seeks to consolidate power in the run-up to the next election.
3. Shifting Power Dynamics in Mt Kenya
The growing influence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has created a power vacuum and introduced a new competitive element in Mt Kenya politics. The region has historically been the political backbone of the Kenyatta family, but Gachagua’s rising profile presents a challenge to their hold. By bringing Muhoho into the fold, Ruto may be attempting to rebalance this power dynamic and ensure that Mt Kenya remains firmly within his political orbit.
The inclusion of other figures like Mutahi Kagwe and Karanja Kibicho in the Cabinet reshuffle also suggests that Ruto is looking to consolidate support from key political players within the Kikuyu community. These individuals, with deep political roots in Mt Kenya, could help counterbalance the influence of Gachagua and other rising political stars from the region.
4. A Broader Strategy of Inclusivity and Political Consensus
Ruto’s moves suggest a broader strategy of inclusivity, particularly with regard to the Kikuyu community, which has historically been a crucial political bloc in Kenya. By bringing figures like Muhoho, Kagwe, and Kibicho into his administration, Ruto is signaling a desire to foster national unity and secure support from diverse political and ethnic groups, especially those with significant economic and political power in Mt Kenya.
This move aligns with Ruto’s emphasis on building a more inclusive government, ensuring that no key player feels sidelined as the country prepares for future elections. The appointment of figures with ties to both the Kenyatta family and other influential Mt Kenya leaders suggests that Ruto is working to create a coalition that strengthens his political base.
5. The Impact on Mt Kenya’s Voter Base
Muhoho’s potential rise within the political ranks could have a significant impact on the Mt Kenya electorate. Historically, the region has been loyal to the Kenyatta family, and Muhoho’s entry into politics could help to revitalize this traditional loyalty, particularly in a period of shifting allegiances. This move may appeal to voters who are nostalgic for the Kenyatta era or who see the family as a stabilizing force in Kenyan politics.
However, it also places pressure on the Kikuyu community, as they may face the challenge of choosing between Ruto’s current administration and the Kenyatta family’s historical influence. If Muhoho is groomed for leadership, his approach to addressing the region’s economic and political issues could shape the community’s support for the 2027 elections.
Conclusion
The potential Cabinet reshuffle, with key figures like Muhoho Kenyatta, signals both the continuation of the Kenyatta family’s influence and a strategic response to shifting power dynamics in Mt Kenya. Muhoho’s rise in politics could herald a new chapter in the region’s political leadership, with implications not just for the Kenyatta family but for the broader political landscape as Kenya heads toward the 2027 elections.
The political maneuvering surrounding these appointments highlights the delicate balance between inclusivity, power consolidation, and the maintenance of regional influence in Kenya’s evolving political scene.
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