Kuria’s political goals scrutinised after resignation
By Wangari Njuguna, July 11, 2025The resignation of Moses Kuria as senior adviser to President William Ruto has ignited speculation about his political ambitions and potential impact on the fragmented Mt Kenya region. Critics question whether his departure signals genuine political independence or a calculated move to further divide the vote-rich area.
Kuria, a former Cabinet minister who headed two ministries before becoming presidential adviser, has been among the leaders vying to fill the political vacuum left by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s retirement from active politics. Once a close ally of Uhuru, Kuria switched allegiance to join Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2022 elections.
Strategy or sabotage?
After an unsuccessful bid for the Kiambu gubernatorial seat (losing to Kimani Wamatangi) Kuria’s political fortunes fluctuated. Ruto initially appointed him to the Cabinet, but his influence waned before he was retained as senior economic adviser to the President.
Kuria’s decision to quit his prestigious position, a rare move in Kenyan politics, has drawn sharp criticism from allies of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“Kuria smells of a political decoy sent to weaken the emerging unity under Gachagua and this is not an ambition, its sabotage,” said former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru, a close Gachagua ally.
“But make no mistake, any move to breathe life into his Chama Cha Kazi political party would be a clear signal that he is not for us.”
Crowded political field
The Mt Kenya region, crucial to Ruto’s 2022 victory, remains politically unsettled following Gachagua’s impeachment after his falling-out with the President. Gachagua has since formed the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), which now competes with at least 10 other parties for regional control ahead of the 2027 elections.
The region’s political landscape has become increasingly fragmented, with multiple parties claiming influence: Ruto’s UDA, Uhuru’s Jubilee Party, Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi, Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo’s Tujibebe Wakenya, Martha Karua’s PLP, and the Farmers Party linked to jailed former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Additional players include former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi’s DP, former Governor Kiraitu Murungi’s DEP, and former CS Peter Munya’s PNU. The recent appointment of dethroned former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza to lead Umoja wa Maendeleo Party also illustrates the region’s political fragmentation.
This proliferation of parties represents both democratic maturity and growing political disillusionment in a region that has produced three of Kenya’s Presidents since independence: founding father Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta.
Several leaders have questioned the authenticity of Kuria’s resignation, suggesting he remains the President’s agent. Gatanga MP Edward Muriu termed the move “fake”, arguing that “his resignation is to set him free to play politics in the Mt Kenya region”.
Strategic positioning
Muriu claimed Kuria would be used to neutralise Gachagua’s influence and launch a fake political party to split the region. Waweru echoed these sentiments, stating there was “no coincidence” in Kuria’s resignation and that he was being deployed by President Ruto to infiltrate and divide the region.
Political activist Magochi Murathi, from Murang’a, offered a different perspective, suggesting Kuria aims to position himself as the regional kingpin for 2027. “He has a feeling that he could be the referee in the region and this will boost his bargaining power at the national politics,” Murathi observed.
Murathi speculated that Kuria might be working to help Uhuru Kenyatta return to active politics and recapture regional influence. “If you look at the region, we have very few leaders who are outspoken and can speak on behalf of the region and I think Kuria is aiming for that,” he added.
Presidential ambitions
During a recent TV interview, Kuria hinted at running for President in 2027 but remained coy about which political faction he would support. He indicated plans to use his party to advance his agenda while revealing ongoing talks with the Jubilee party for a possible coalition.
Kuria tendered his resignation on Tuesday without revealing his next move, stating only that he plans to pursue personal issues. However, political analysts warn that the region’s divisions could transform Mt Kenya from a kingmaker in 2027 to a swing battleground.