Nairobi, Feb. 19 -- The sun is already up when the Nation team sets out on a journey to Gatongori village in Gaturi Ward, Kiharu Constituency. Murang'a Town is the starting point.

As the road meanders across the hilly terrain, the lush-green vegetation stands in sharp contrast to the snaking black tarmac.

The mission is to feel the political pulse of the Mt Kenya region following a clamour by a section of Murang'a politicians, led by Senator Joe Nyutu, declaring Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as fit to be President William Ruto's running mate in 2027 in place of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The political pronouncement provoked a heated succession debate in the vote-rich region, with leaders allied to the DP scathing in their response. In...