Tide of change?

Kenya 2022: Is Kenyatta losing his grip to Ruto in home turf of Kiambu County?

This article is part of the dossier: Kenya 2022: Who will win the great race?

By Son Gatitu
Posted on Wednesday, 27 July 2022 11:22, updated on Thursday, 28 July 2022 10:35

William Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua campaigning in Banana hill, Kiambu county (twitter: @rigathi)

Kenya’s general election has been billed as a contest between political dynasties versus self-made politicians. Kiambu County, which is part of the larger Mt. Kenya region, has traditionally been a vote bank for President Uhuru Kenyatta. But with Deputy President William Ruto gaining in strength, will this election mark the end of Kenyatta influence on Kiambu politics?

Kiambu County is the second largest region by voter population after Nairobi. With 1.27 million registered voters, it has the ability to sway the presidential election in either direction. As a county that has 12 constituencies each represented by an MP in the National Assembly, it also receives one of the highest revenue allocations from the national government – KSh11.7bn ($98.9m) annually.

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