Tensions Rise Over Mt Kenya Bloc as Ruto's Allies Challenge UDA - February 2026

Political parties are intensely vying for the Mt Kenya East voting bloc ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election, involving President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and emerging regional parties. The struggle is focused on securing influence in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties. Concurrently, tensions are rising within the UDA as allies of President Ruto from the Mt Kenya region are reportedly causing instability within the party. The confrontational political style of Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah is highlighted as a cause of the internal friction. These developments risk undermining the President's support in the region.