This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
July 8, 2019 - The Mt Kenya region is set to play a significant role in the 2022 elections, with its over 6 million votes making it a crucial player in the political landscape. The region has been a stronghold for the Jubilee Party, but recent developments suggest that this may be changing.
A new political party, Transformation National Alliance (TNA), has been registered by politicians from the region, who claim that Jubilee is 'moribund and lifeless' and cannot be used in 2022. The registration of TNA is seen as a strategic move by the Mt Kenya politicians to position themselves for the 2022 elections.
The differences within Jubilee Party have been growing, with Team Kieleweke, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Team Tanga Tanga, led by Deputy President William Ruto, at odds over several issues. The Deputy President has been critical of the President's working relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga, which he sees as an attempt to sideline him.
President Uhuru has openly rebuked his Deputy for being against the government's agenda on corruption and has vowed to work with Raila regardless of his Deputy's views. The registration of TNA is seen as a way for the Mt Kenya politicians to have a bargaining chip in the 2022 elections.
