As the country's political landscape continues to shift ahead of the 2027 general election, Nakuru County-populous and highly cosmopolitan-has emerged as a key battleground for both government and opposition forces.
A significant portion of Kikuyu voters in the county, who previously solidly backed President William Ruto's presidential bid, have started to drift away from him following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In the wake of Gachagua's ouster, President Ruto entered a political alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga, his main challenger in the last general election, much to the dismay of Mt Kenya voters.
Political observers suggest that Ruto is determined to pull out all the stops to ensure Nakuru does not slip from his control, considering its strategic location in the heart of Rift Valley, his political stronghold.
