The recent impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua and his subsequent replacement by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has sparked intense political ripples within Mount Kenya, a region that once stood firmly behind President William Ruto and his administration.
Yet, despite this setback, a loyal faction of Mount Kenya leaders, often referred to as Gachagua’s “foot soldiers,” has remained resolute in their support for the embattled former Deputy President.
These leaders represent a broader discontent brewing within the region, where accusations of marginalization, betrayal, and sidelining have taken root, particularly as figures from Mount Kenya claim their voices are being lost in the political corridors of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Among the most vocal supporters is Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, who has become a central figure in the political battle for Mount Kenya’s representation.
Her outspoken stance, particularly following allegations of threats from Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, highlights the growing tension within the region.
Muhia’s refusal to bow to intimidation, after claiming that Ichung’wah threatened her for speaking out against the government, sends a powerful message of defiance.
“I refuse to bow to intimidation,” she asserted, vowing to continue her vocal opposition and support for Gachagua.
Her commitment to Gachagua is rooted not just in personal loyalty but in a broader regional sentiment: Mount Kenya feels neglected and betrayed by the government it helped propel to power.
Senator Joe Nyutu of Murang’a has been equally critical, recently stating, “It cannot be that all these people now are at peace with the government,” pointing to what he sees as the sidelining of key figures within the Mount Kenya leadership.
Nyutu’s frustration is palpable, as he highlights a perceived pattern of marginalization that seems to extend beyond Gachagua to other influential leaders from the region.
His criticism reflects a growing concern that despite Mount Kenya’s overwhelming support for Ruto during the elections, the region’s leaders are being left out of key decisions and political power structures.
Nyutu’s frustration is not an isolated sentiment. Several other leaders from the region, including MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), and Samuel Parashina (Kajiado South), have voiced similar concerns about their political futures within the Kenya Kwanza framework.
These leaders, who once rallied behind Gachagua’s leadership, now find themselves questioning their place in a government that many feel has been unresponsive to the promises made during the election campaigns.
In addition to these vocal MPs, figures such as former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru and Gathoni Wamuchomba of Githunguri have been steadfast in their backing of Gachagua.
Though neither holds a current ministerial position, their loyalty to the former Deputy President speaks to a deeper political current that persists beneath the surface.
These leaders, despite their lack of official titles, are seen as key players in the fight to ensure that Mount Kenya’s political voice is not diminished in a government that seems to be evolving without their influence.
The political landscape within Mount Kenya has become increasingly complex, with leaders like Karungo Thangwa of Kiambu and John Methu of Nyandarua maintaining strong ties to Gachagua’s camp, despite the shifting sands of Kenya Kwanza’s internal politics.
These leaders are not merely defending Gachagua but are also expressing a broader concern about the perceived betrayal of the region’s political capital.
They argue that Mount Kenya’s contributions to the success of President Ruto’s campaign should not be overlooked, and that the region deserves to be represented in a government that many feel has failed to reciprocate their loyalty.
At the heart of the discontent lies a region that has historically been a political powerhouse in Kenya. Mount Kenya’s political leaders feel that their sacrifice and allegiance have been met with neglect.
Gachagua, who has long been seen as a powerful voice for the region, now stands at the center of this struggle. His supporters continue to emphasize the need for unity in the face of adversity.
Gachagua’s own calls for Mount Kenya to remain united and to remember the mistreatment they have endured under the Kenya Kwanza government reflect the sentiment of many of these leaders.
Despite the political turbulence, Gachagua’s core supporters are committed to defending their region’s political dignity.
“We must remain united and remember the mistreatment we’ve endured,” Gachagua said recently, underscoring the deeply rooted frustrations that continue to simmer.
These leaders remain aligned with Gachagua not just because of personal loyalty, but because they believe that he represents the best chance for Mount Kenya to reclaim its influence and position within the broader national political discourse.
As this political drama unfolds, it is clear that Mount Kenya’s leadership is at a crossroads.
