GATUNDU NORTH — In the heart of Kiambu County, a region that has become the epicenter of a fierce battle for the soul of Mt Kenya’s electorate, the pulpit became a political launchpad this Sunday. Rt. Rev. Bishop Simon Karatu of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) did not mince words, declaring President William Ruto the region’s undisputed "father" and promising a decisive voter turnout in 2027 that would silence critics.

The declaration, made during a service attended by the Head of State in Gatundu North, comes at a pivotal moment. With the political ghost of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua still hovering over the region, Bishop Karatu’s pronouncement was less a sermon and more a strategic counter-offensive against the growing narrative that the Mountain has drifted away from the ruling coalition.

The 'Early Morning' Promise

Standing before a congregation that included the President and key regional allies, Bishop Karatu dismissed the notion that Mt Kenya’s support for the Kenya Kwanza administration had waned. His language was visceral, tapping into the Kikuyu idiom of voting "early in the morning"—a phrase synonymous with unwavering commitment.

“As our father, we shall bring all our needs to your attention because you love us,” Karatu asserted, his voice cutting through the tense political atmosphere that has enveloped the region since mid-2025. “Some people were saying that our President Ruto should forget Mt Kenya votes. Mt Kenya is us. We assure you that we shall not only support you but will turn out early to vote decisively.”

The Bishop’s comments appear to be a direct rebuttal to warnings issued earlier this year by ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had cautioned Ruto that the region was "gone forever" following their bitter fallout. By positioning Ruto as a "father" figure, the AIPCA leadership is attempting to heal the emotional rift that has threatened to split the vote-rich bloc.

Ruto: 'I Am Past Looking for Votes'

President Ruto, however, played the statesman, deftly sidestepping the overt electioneering while outlining a massive development agenda. In a classic pivot, he framed his presence not as a hunt for votes, but as a mission to overhaul the nation’s economic engine.

“I am not doing all this because I want votes in 2027. I am past looking for votes,” Ruto told the congregation. “If it was about votes, you elected me in 2022 and that is enough. My mission now is to change the country.”

Despite the disclaimer, the President’s itinerary suggested otherwise. He used the platform to announce the imminent approval of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), a colossal financial vehicle designed to mobilize private sector capital for public projects. The Cabinet is scheduled to ratify the fund this Monday.

• The Goal: To raise KES 5 trillion (approx. $38 billion) for infrastructure without deepening the national debt.
• Local Impact: Completion of the Mau Mau Road and upgrades to the Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi dual carriageway.
• Timeline: Ruto promised to return in February 2026 to commission key segments.

The Battle for the Mountain

Analysts view the AIPCA endorsement as significant. Unlike the Catholic Church, whose bishops recently issued a stinging critique of the government’s tax policies and perceived insensitivity, the AIPCA has historically maintained closer ties with the state. This divergence highlights a split within the clergy that mirrors the fracture in the electorate.

“The church is the last line of defense in Mt Kenya politics,” notes political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi. “If Ruto can hold the AIPCA and the evangelical wing, he retains a foothold. But the Catholic critique still stings the average hustler struggling with the cost of living.”

For the common mwananchi in Kiambu, the high-flying rhetoric about trillions in infrastructure funds must compete with the reality of the price of unga and fuel. While Bishop Karatu speaks of spiritual fatherhood, the electorate’s loyalty in 2027 will likely depend on whether that father figure can put food on the table today.

As the service concluded, the message was clear: The battle for Mt Kenya is not over; it has simply moved to the pulpit.