The simmering war for the soul of Mount Kenya has erupted as TSP leader Mwangi Kiunjuri throws a direct gauntlet at the former Deputy President.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the central region’s political establishment, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has publicly challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to stop hiding behind shadows and declare his 2027 presidential bid. The challenge, issued during a heated rally, marks a significant escalation in the battle for supremacy in the mountain, stripping away the pretenses of unity that have barely concealed the deep fractures within the region's leadership.

The Challenge from the East

Kiunjuri, a seasoned political operative known for his proverb-laden attacks, did not mince words. "Tell us if you will be a presidential candidate in 2027," he demanded, effectively calling Gachagua’s bluff. The Service Party (TSP) leader is capitalizing on the ambiguity of Gachagua’s current political maneuvering. Since his impeachment, Gachagua has been touring the region, styling himself as the besieged kingpin and a victim of betrayal, yet stopping short of an official declaration of war against President Ruto.

The dynamics of this confrontation are complex:

• The Martyrdom Card: Gachagua is riding a wave of sympathy, painting his impeachment as an attack on the entire Mount Kenya region.
• The Challenger's Gambit: Kiunjuri is attempting to force Gachagua into the open, knowing that a premature declaration could isolate the former DP or force him into a direct, losing confrontation with the state machinery.
• The Vacuum of Power: With no clear successor to Uhuru Kenyatta, the region is a free-for-all, with Kiunjuri positioning himself as the rational, "safe" pair of hands against Gachagua’s populist radicalism.

A Region at the Crossroads

The timing of Kiunjuri’s ultimatum is precise. It comes as whispers of a "United Opposition" gain traction, with Gachagua hinting at alliances with Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures. By demanding a clear stance, Kiunjuri is trying to paint Gachagua as a spoiler who is willing to auction the region's votes for personal survival. "We cannot follow a leader who is walking in the dark," Kiunjuri told his supporters, a direct jab at the former DP's strategy of ambiguity.

For the residents of Nyeri, Murang'a, and Kiambu, this public spat is a preview of the bruising battle to come. The "Mountain" is notoriously slippery for those who seek to climb it without a map. Gachagua believes he is the guide; Kiunjuri insists he is leading them off a cliff.

As the dust settles on Kiunjuri’s remarks, the ball is firmly in Gachagua’s court. Will he take the bait and declare his hand, or will he continue his guerrilla campaign of innuendo and victimhood? One thing is certain: the ceasefire in Mount Kenya is over.