Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political dominance in the Mt Kenya region is facing a fresh challenge as President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki intensify efforts to weaken his influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The duo is working behind the scenes, rallying influential politicians, religious leaders, and opinion shapers to counter Gachagua’s growing opposition.
In a strategic move, the Kikuyu Council of Elders has convened a high-level meeting set for February 28 at Two Rivers, bringing together elders from various communities within the Gema framework to discuss political realignments and peace initiatives.
“We want unity across the country. Kenya should remain peaceful, integrated, and free from divisive political rhetoric,” said National Chairman Wachira Kiago.
The meeting comes amid increased efforts by the government to neutralize anti-Ruto dissent in Mt Kenya. Kindiki has transformed his Karen residence into a political hub, hosting a series of closed-door meetings with key figures aligned with Ruto’s administration.
Former Jubilee leaders who previously opposed UDA have also been attending these sessions, signaling a strategic shift engineered by Kindiki.
According to political analyst Charles Mwangi Ng’ang’a, the Ruto-Kindiki plan is two-pronged—first, enticing influential figures who had distanced themselves from Kenya Kwanza by offering them government roles, and second, empowering grassroots leaders to slowly shift loyalty away from Gachagua.
“Kindiki’s approach is multifaceted. It not only seeks to push the Kenya Kwanza government’s economic transformation agenda but also aims to dismantle Gachagua’s political grip on the region,” said Ng’ang’a.
In a counter-strategy, Gachagua has been forging new alliances with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s 2022 running mate Martha Karua, and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Once considered Ruto’s key point man in Mt Kenya, Gachagua has grown increasingly vocal in his opposition, holding parallel meetings and consolidating his base through grassroots mobilization. He continues to champion the “one-man, one-vote, one-shilling” economic model, a narrative that resonates with a section of the region’s leaders and voters.
During a church service at AIPCA Antubetwe in Igembe North on Sunday, Gachagua dismissed Kindiki’s efforts, alleging that Mt Kenya leaders were being bribed to align with the government.
