Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said President William Ruto could still win re-election without the support of the Mount Kenya region, arguing that Kenya’s political landscape is no longer defined solely by ethnic voting patterns.

Speaking on the prospects of the 2027 General Election in an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, June 22, 2026, Kang’ata noted that while Mount Kenya remains an important voting bloc, opposition to Ruto’s administration extends beyond the region and is driven largely by dissatisfaction with government policies.

According to the governor, many Kenyans who are unhappy with the current administration are found not only in Mount Kenya but also in other parts of the country, including the Nyanza region and elsewhere. He said the concerns being raised by citizens cut across regional and ethnic lines because government policies affect all Kenyans regardless of where they come from.

“There is a possibility, honestly speaking, because Kenya is large, but if you look at those angered by Ruto’s administration, they are not only from Mount Kenya; there are other regions opposed to his re-election, including Nyanza and other regions,” Irungu said.

Policy politics as opposed to tribal politics

Kang’ata argued that some political observers continue to analyse electoral dynamics through a tribal lens, yet the country is gradually shifting toward issue-based politics.

 He maintained that voters are increasingly evaluating leaders based on how government decisions impact their livelihoods rather than solely on ethnic affiliations.

“Everyone is affected by the policies in government. Those who are looking at the issues are looking at them from a tribal angle, but the country is changing, and people are looking at things at a different personal level and are looking at the policies affecting them,” he added.

The governor said the growing focus on economic realities, taxation, the cost of living, and service delivery means that policy outcomes will play a significant role in shaping voter