The associated idea that Kenneth had been a king in Dál Riata before he contended successfully for power in Pictland in the 840s, following the death of Eóganán mac Óengusa, is supported by nearly contemporary evidence.
Gagasan terkait bahwa Kenneth telah menjadi raja di Dál Riata sebelum ia berhasil meraih kekuasaan di Pictland pada 840an, setelah kematian Eóganán mac Óengusa, didukung oleh bukti hampir kontemporer.