Mount Kenya PS quietly sets up campaign machine ahead of governor race
A Principal Secretary from the Mount Kenya region serving in one of the key and well-funded dockets and who is quietly eyeing a gubernatorial bid has already rolled out an extensive political mobilisation strategy, setting up what insiders describe as a fully operational campaign secretariat well ahead of the race.
Some of the involved handlers intimated that the secretariat is coordinating grassroots outreach, voter mapping and early alliances with local political brokers, despite the official ban on public servants engaging in partisan politics.
The suave PS allegedly using trusted proxies to distribute cash to local opinion leaders, youth groups and women’s associations, framed as “facilitation” for community activities but widely viewed as early campaign inducements. The strategy is said to be aimed at locking in support long before the formal campaign window opens.
The moves have unsettled local political players, including a sitting governor and MPs, who privately complain that the use of state-linked influence gives the aspirant an unfair advantage. Critics argue that the blurred line between public office and personal ambition risks undermining public trust and violates ethics rules governing senior civil servants.
