By Political loyalty in kenya has often followed ethnic lines with the kikuyu community playing a central role in shaping the country’s political trajectory. The current tensions between the president William Ruto and deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has stripped debates especially among kikuyu youth about the true meaning of political loyalty in two modern era.
For decades political allegiance in Mt kenya has been influenced by ; Ethnic solidarity, Economic promises ,Historical grievances for example post violence fears and pursuit of protesting regional interest. Kikuyu community being kenya’s largest ethnic bloc and a key player in the economy has often been courted aggressively by political aspirations.
Rigathi Gachagua the deputy president has positioned himself as the ” Mt kenya kingpin ” advocating for a unified kikuyu front within government. While William Ruto initially enjoying significant kikuyu support ( during hustler narrative) appears to be distancing himself from ethnic kingpin politics focusing more on national unity and his broader kenya kwanza agenda .Tensions have emerged such as political appointment , Alleged sidelining of Mt kenya leaders and 2027 succession undercurrent.
Political experimentation some youth are exploring alternative leaders even from outside kikuyu community if they align with their aspirations. Social media mobilisation platforms like Tiktok, Twitter (x) and Facebook are being used to dissect political rhetoric share dissenting views and expose inconsistencies .
For kikuyu youth loyalty is evolving. It’s no longer about blind allegiance to ethnic leaders but about holding leaders accountable demanding tangible development and prioritising unity over division. The Ruto-Rigathi split may well be a defining moment not just for Mt kenya politics but for Kenyans youth across all communities choose to engage with politics in the future.
The true test of loyalty is not ethnicity but leadership that delivers. As kikuyu youth perhaps it’s time to move from being political pawns to being Agenda-driven citizens.
