Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has stirred intense speculation about her political future with a string of fiery rallies and uncompromising statements in the Mt Kenya region, raising questions about whether she is preparing for a comeback in the 2027 general elections.
In recent months, Wahome has shifted from her Cabinet duties to grassroots mobilization in Murang’a County, particularly in her former Kandara constituency. Her appearances feature sharp defenses of President William Ruto and pointed attacks on critics, prompting observers to wonder if she is simply carrying out a presidential directive or laying groundwork for her own ambitions.
Wahome Vows to Stay ‘in the Thick of Things’
Speaking in Kiambu County on December 14, Wahome declared her intention to remain deeply involved in regional politics.
“I have sworn to be in the thick of things in Mt Kenya politics ahead of 2027,” she told supporters.
She described her efforts as protecting the interests of the region, President Ruto, and her own position as the self-proclaimed “queen of the mountain.” Wahome insisted Ruto “must be protected” from detractors and praised him as the only leader who truly understands Kenya’s needs.
Her comments come weeks after Ruto reportedly directed Cabinet secretaries to lead early mobilization for his 2027 re-election bid in their home areas. Wahome, a longtime Ruto ally, was specifically tasked with consolidating support in Mt Kenya, a critical voting bloc.
High-Profile Rallies Fuel 2027 Talk
Wahome has held several large gatherings in Kandara, the seat she represented for three terms before joining Ruto’s Cabinet in 2022. Notable events on September 16 and December 6 drew significant crowds, where she positioned herself as a “lion of politics” who helped propel the current government to power.
“I was not elevated into the Cabinet because of a beauty contest; it was because I helped this government ascend to power,” she told cheering supporters at one rally.
She also hinted at broader ambitions, warning that 2027 would offer “multiple open seats” and declaring, “I am still the tough political player I used to be… I have gone nowhere.”
Some political watchers believe she could seek to reclaim the Kandara parliamentary seat. Others suggest she might aim higher — perhaps the Murang’a gubernatorial race, a Senate seat, or even the Woman Representative position.
Tensions Rise Among Ruto Loyalists
Wahome’s aggressive style has created friction with fellow Kenya Kwanza supporters in Murang’a. Maragua MP Mary wa Maua has openly criticized the Cabinet secretary, accusing her of neglecting ministerial duties in favor of early campaigning.
“She should be sitting in the office to receive complaints and work on solutions, not chasing 2027 politics,” wa Maua said.
Wahome fired back, telling the MP to “relax and wait for the full incursion,” adding that she might expand her activities into other constituencies. “I am not a Kandara-only politician.”
Similar strains have emerged with Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, with mutual accusations of arrogance fueling talk of a possible contest for the gender-top seat.
Public Rebuke of Former Deputy President
Wahome has also taken direct aim at impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has continued to claim influence in government circles.
Responding to Gachagua’s recent remarks, Wahome said his statements were damaging her own standing.
“Even if I were sharing matters with him, one does not speak like that. He might think he is defending me, but he is inflicting damage,” she said.
From 2022 Rebel to Loyal Defender
Wahome was once part of the so-called “Big Six” Mt Kenya leaders — including Gachagua, Moses Kuria, Kimani Ichung’wa, Ndindi Nyoro, and Jayne Kihara — who defied then-President Uhuru Kenyatta to back Ruto’s 2022 bid against Raila Odinga.
Today, only Wahome and National Assembly Majority Leader Ichung’wa remain firmly in Ruto’s inner circle, underscoring her enduring loyalty.
Analysts See Dual Strategy
Political analyst Mixson Gitau views Wahome’s moves as calculated.
“If you dissect her actions, she is positioning herself for 2027, either for herself or for President Ruto,” Gitau said. “She is advancing the protection narrative in Murang’a while creating space for her own future options.”
As Mt Kenya politics heats up following Gachagua’s impeachment and shifting alliances, Wahome’s high-visibility campaign-style appearances have only intensified the debate: Is she simply executing a presidential assignment, or is the “queen of the mountain” preparing to reclaim her throne?
