Political pressure in Mount Kenya has intensified following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, and eyes are now on President William Ruto to make crucial decisions that could shape his administration’s future.
One of the most discussed names in this political shift is Mutahi Kagwe, the former Health Cabinet Secretary, who is now being considered for the pivotal Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
Kagwe’s Surge in Popularity Amid Gachagua’s Impeachment
The political dynamics in Nyeri County, the home region of both Kagwe and Gachagua, have drastically changed after Gachagua’s impeachment. With no representative from the county in Ruto’s current cabinet, local pressure has mounted on the President to fill this void. Mutahi Kagwe is now being fronted as the ideal candidate to take over the Interior CS docket.
Political observers speculate that Kagwe’s appointment could help stabilize and strengthen the Kenya Kwanza administration’s hold on the region, especially as support has wavered in the aftermath of Gachagua’s fall from grace.
Endorsement by Kikuyu Elders
Kagwe has garnered significant backing from influential elders in the Kikuyu community, who praise his leadership abilities and successful tenure as Health CS during the Covid-19 pandemic. The elders are urging him to accept the position of Interior Cabinet Secretary, should the President nominate him, suggesting that his leadership could offer much-needed stability.
Reports indicate that the Kikuyu elders are keen on seeing Kagwe in a key position, especially as the current Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi temporarily holds the Interior ministry’s duties.
Mutahi Kagwe’s Profile and Political Background
Mutahi Kagwe’s career is marked by extensive public service and political experience. He served as the Health CS under President Uhuru Kenyatta and played a central role in managing the country’s response to the Covid-19 crisis. His previous stints include being the Minister of Communications under President Mwai Kibaki, as well as a Mukurweini MP from 2002 to 2007. Kagwe also made a notable comeback as the Senator for Nyeri in 2013.
Though his bid for the Nyeri gubernatorial seat in 2017 was unsuccessful, Kagwe’s experience in both government and corporate sectors, including his tenure at Standard Media Group, has bolstered his reputation as a capable leader.
Education and Early Life
Born in 1958 in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, Mutahi Kagwe attended Kihate Primary School and Kagumo High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Nairobi (1978-1981). He also holds an MBA from United States International University-Africa (USIU), further strengthening his leadership credentials.
Family Background
Kagwe is married to Anne Wanjiku Mutahi, the daughter of John Michuki, a former Minister for Internal Security. Together, they have four children, one of whom, Kahu Mburu (also known as Kahush), is a well-known rapper.
Political Implications
As President Ruto faces mounting pressure to address the political void in Mount Kenya, appointing Kagwe to the Interior CS position could provide a strategic boost to the administration’s influence in the region. Whether Kagwe accepts the role will likely depend on his vision for the future of the country and the mounting pressure from his supporters in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Kagwe’s potential rise to the Interior Ministry underscores the ongoing shifts in Kenya’s political landscape, with the Mount Kenya region increasingly becoming a focal point of national politics.
