Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s political alleged plans to unite ahead of the 2027 general election now face a storm due to rebellion in their respective political strongholds.
This comes after several MPs from the Mt. Kenya region distanced themselves from Gachagua, while Narc Leader Charity Ngilu appeared to have defected from Kalonzo’s camp within the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.
On Thursday, 48 MPs from the western side of Mt. Kenya publicly broke away from Gachagua, pledging their loyalty to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Their statement came just two days after 14 MPs from eastern Mt. Kenya also distanced themselves from the Deputy President, declaring Kindiki as their spokesperson.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, September 6, Ngilu urged leaders and the Kamba community to support President William Ruto’s government to ensure development benefits for the region.
This stance is in direct contrast to Kalonzo’s position, as he has refused to cooperate with the current administration, insisting that he will continue to criticize it as he prepares to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 general election.
It is worth noting that on June 21 this year, Musyoka and Gachagua shared a platform in Kiambu County, where they pledged to work together politically towards the 2027 elections.
During that event, Musyoka praised Gachagua as a “brave leader” and vowed to defend him against political battles within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
“This is my first time sitting next to Rigathi Gachagua. I admire your ability to stand up against those who try to fight you,” Musyoka said at a church event in Ruiru, referring to UDA MPs who had been politically opposing Gachagua and even threatened to impeach him.
“I assure you that I will support you in this battle. God willing, we will work together towards the 2027 general election,” Musyoka added.
Gachagua, in turn, expressed his willingness to cooperate with all leaders, including “our neighbors in Ukambani, for the benefit of our people.”
Political analysts interpreted the meeting between the two leaders as the beginning of a broader plan to collaborate ahead of the next election.
“It’s not a coincidence that rival politicians shared a platform, as Gachagua and Kalonzo did. There are signs they are planning a political alliance,” said political analyst Gitile Naituli at the time.
However, the efforts by both leaders to maintain political influence in their regions are now facing resistance, which could derail their plans to unite ahead of the next general election.
Just days after the upheaval within Azimio, following President Ruto’s success in attracting ODM party members to his side, Ngilu, who had initially aligned herself with Kalonzo’s camp in Azimio, made a surprising U-turn.
“I urge the Kamba people to organize themselves and support President Ruto’s administration over the next three years. We must be part of the current government to benefit from development,” she said while attending a funeral in Kitui Central constituency.
When Raila Odinga decided to cooperate with the government and allowed five of his close allies to be appointed to the Cabinet, Ngilu was among the Azimio leaders who opposed the move, led by Kalonzo.