About 30 political parties from Mt Kenya are expected to converge this weekend in a fresh push to consolidate their political strength and champion the interests of the region ahead of the election.
The meeting comes amid growing efforts by leaders and political parties to forge a common regional position as the political realignment gathers momentum.
The Saturday meeting will bring together representatives from various parties to deliberate on their political direction and explore possible areas of cooperation.
In an invitation seen by the Star, the conveners have billed it as a consultative forum to enable the region to forge a common front.
“Good evening members from Mt Kenya parties. In consultation with our chair Wakahiro of KRP and OS Macharia Maingi of Usawa Kwa Wote party, we confirm the venue for our consultative meeting/kikao on Saturday the 22nd be at the Upperhill Springs at 10am and thereafter to a lunch in the same venue,” the statement read.
The Star has established that parties taking part in the meeting include former Governor Mwangi wa Iria’s Usawa Party, Jimi Wanjigi’s Safina Party, TSP, Nopeu, Agano and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Others are Ubuntu, The Alliance Party, Jibebe, Democratic Party, Usawa na Maendeleo, PDU, Kenya Patriotic Party, Mzalendo Saba Saba, Kenya Reform Party, Farmers Party and Devolution Party, among others.
There were also reports that Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s The People’s Party will also be part of the meeting.
The outfits are expected to discuss issues affecting the region and explore ways of working together despite their different political affiliations.
The gathering could also provide a platform for leaders to develop a common agenda on development, representation and the region’s role in national politics.
The meeting comes at a time when attempts to unite Mt Kenya politically have intensified, with different parties pursuing competing strategies.
Recent efforts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to consolidate the region under the Democracy for Citizens Party have faced resistance from some parties, including PNU and the Democratic Party, which have instead called for consensus-based cooperation.
The meeting also comes at a time when President William Ruto is increasingly focusing on the region to rebuild his political ties, especially after the Ol Kalou by-election.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli, in an interview with the Star, said the significance of the meeting extends beyond immediate coordination among parties.
“It may mark the beginning of efforts by smaller Mt Kenya political formations to establish a collective bargaining position ahead of the finalisation of 2027 political alliances,” he said.
Kasembeli further argues that Ruto should cast his net on the small parties from the region to bolster his 2027 chances in Mt Kenya.
“This would help expand his political base beyond the established Kenya Kwanza structure, particularly in regions where the ruling coalition has faced increasing competition,” he added.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Political consolidation has traditionally been an important tool for regions seeking greater bargaining power during national coalition negotiations. A united negotiating position can give regional leaders greater leverage when discussing presidential support, Cabinet appointments, development projects and allocation of elective positions.