By continuously delaying the much-anticipated announcement of his political party, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua may be walking a dangerous political tightrope.
While his allies argue that the postponement allows for wider consultations and the formation of a party with a national outlook, the repeated delays risk eroding his credibility and diminishing the momentum he has built within the Mt Kenya region and beyond.
Politics thrives on momentum, and Gachagua had successfully positioned himself as the undisputed political kingpin of Mt Kenya following his fallout with President William Ruto.
His promise to launch a party was seen as a bold step toward cementing his influence. However, by constantly shifting the goalposts, he risks appearing indecisive or, worse, politically uncertain.
His initial idea of forming a regional party had strong backing from his support base, who felt that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had sidelined Mt Kenya interests.
By postponing the announcement to accommodate leaders from other regions, Gachagua risks alienating his core supporters, who may interpret the delay as a sign of weakness or lack of confidence in his own political direction.
In politics, hesitation creates room for opponents to strike. President Ruto, a master strategist, is undoubtedly watching these developments closely.
Every delay gives him time to consolidate his grip on the Mt Kenya region, using well-orchestrated meetings, development projects, and strategic political alliances to counter Gachagua’s growing influence.
Moreover, the delay opens doors for other leaders within the region, such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and CS Moses Kuria, to position themselves as alternative voices.
If Gachagua is not careful, he may find himself overshadowed before he even makes his move.
Gachagua’s support base has been eagerly awaiting a definitive political direction, especially after he declared that Mt Kenya needed a new home following what he termed as Ruto’s betrayal.
Every postponement raises questions about his political preparedness. If he keeps his supporters in suspense for too long, some may start seeking alternatives, leading to a slow but steady decline in his influence.
Kenyan politics is brutal, and public patience is short-lived. A leader who hesitates risks being forgotten. If Gachagua continues to push back his announcement, he may eventually make it at a time when few people still care.
If Gachagua still intends to be a formidable political force, he must act swiftly. While consultations are important, prolonged indecision can be politically fatal.
He must strike a balance between inclusivity and decisiveness. He cannot afford to keep his supporters guessing indefinitely.
If the broader consultations for a national party are taking longer than expected, Gachagua should consider forming the party now and allowing its structures to evolve over time.
Delaying indefinitely will only give his rivals more ammunition to weaken him politically.
Gachagua is at a defining moment in his political career. The delays in launching his party may seem like a strategic move, but in reality, they could cost him the influence he has worked hard to build.
In politics, timing is everything. The longer he waits, the higher the risk of being overtaken by events—and by rivals ready to seize the moment.
If Gachagua wants to remain politically relevant, he must stop hesitating and make his move before it’s too late.
