Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege has alleged that former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a major role in diminishing the political influence of the Mount Kenya region.
Speaking during an interview with Spice FM on Thursday, March 27, Chege explained that Uhuru failed to groom a successor who could take up the mantle of leadership for the region as he was preparing to leave office in 2022.
“I want to take you back to the days of President Mwai Kibaki. When his tenure was coming to an end, he did not have to speak for himself, but he had key figures in his Cabinet who made it clear that if you wanted to engage with the Central Kenya region, Uhuru Kenyatta was the person to talk to because he was set to take over leadership,” Chege stated.
“But in 2022, things changed. There was division as some leaders started leaving the Jubilee Party, which was seen as the dominant political outfit for Mount Kenya.
By the time the former President exited, he had not nurtured or endorsed a leader to take over. He also did not use his close allies to establish a clear political direction for the region,” she added.
Chege emphasized that Uhuru’s exit created a major leadership vacuum in Mount Kenya and also left the Jubilee Party in a weakened state.
Jubilee Party in Turmoil After Uhuru’s Exit
The legislator further pointed out that since Uhuru left office, the Jubilee Party has struggled to maintain strong leadership, particularly in appointing a stable Secretary-General.
“After the 2022 elections, the party was immediately engulfed in internal wrangles, endless disputes, and a loss of clear direction.
We tried to reach out to the former President, asking him to step in and unite us, but nothing came of it. Instead, we found ourselves battling in court,” she explained.
“When Uhuru left, the Jubilee Party was left in confusion. Who is the real Secretary-General? Is it Kanini Kega? Is it me?
Is it Jeremiah Kioni? No one really knew, and that lack of clarity caused the party to start falling apart,” she added.
Ruto’s Cabinet Reshuffles and Mount Kenya’s Presence
Speaking about President William Ruto’s recent Cabinet reshuffles, Chege acknowledged that despite the political instability in the region, Mount Kenya has managed to retain a significant number of positions in both Principal Secretary and Cabinet Secretary roles.
“We thank God that Mount Kenya leaders still hold key positions in government, even with all the changes happening,” she remarked.
The latest Cabinet reshuffle, which took place on Wednesday, March 26, saw significant changes, including the removal of Justin Muturi as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service. He was replaced by Geoffrey Ruku, the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North.
Additionally, Hanna Wendot was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Gender and Culture.
Other changes in the reshuffle included former Environment CS Aden Duale being transferred to head the Ministry of Health, while Deborah Barasa, who previously served in the Health Ministry, was reassigned to lead the Ministry of Environment.
A statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed read, “His Excellency the President has today instituted further changes to the senior ranks of the Executive within Cabinet.
By Presidential action, the Cabinet is set to achieve its constitutional full strength.”
Just a week earlier, on March 20, 2025, the President had also reshuffled Principal Secretaries, reassigning six and nominating 14 new ones.
The political landscape in Mount Kenya remains uncertain, with questions lingering over who will emerge as the region’s unifying leader in the future.
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