President Uhuru Kenyatta's latest moves are aimed at helping him recapture the Mt Kenya region from his deputy William Ruto, political analyst Ndegwa Njiru has observed.
Njiru says that Uhuru allowed the DP into his backyard in the 2017 polls, when he allowed him to supervise party primaries, an opportunity the DP used to bring in his preferred leaders.
Using the chance, the analyst told the People Daily on Thursday, the DP ensured that Uhuru's diehards were left out, so that he can use his selected leaders to spread his agenda in the region.
It's for this reason that Njiru says politicians like Kabando Wa Kabando and Maina Kamanda lost the Jubilee ticket, while the likes of Ndindi Nyoro and Mary Waithira managed to secure a win.
“When the DP supervised the primaries, he ensured serious politicians who are defenders of the President such as Kabando wa Kabando, Maina Kamanda did not get the must-win ticket," said the commentator who is also a lawyer.
He termed this the reason why Uhuru is now active, as he seeks to win back the region, hence his recent reshuffle and more promises to better the state of affairs in the region.
But he says that Uhuru's comeback will depend on his ability to keep the promises he gave to the region, which will in turn help build a good relationship between him and his people.
“The President has realised that he has lost his grip and he has moved to regain it through addressing economic grievances and the reshuffling but more has to be done to create a rapport with the people by ensuring all he promised is implemented,” he added.
The pro-Ruto group, popularly known as Tangatanga, has been openly challenging the president and questioning his ability to address the plight of tea, coffee and milk farmers.