The impeachment vote against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has exposed deep fault lines within the Mount Kenya region, raising questions about loyalty and the future of the region’s political influence in the Ruto administration.
Gachagua, a key figure from this vote-rich region, has found himself abandoned by several of his own, as many Mount Kenya MPs voted in favor of his ouster.
As the National Assembly moved forward with the impeachment, many were shocked to see a large number of Mount Kenya MPs voting in favor of the motion.
In what seems like a political betrayal of their own, these lawmakers may have delivered a fatal blow to one of their region’s most influential political figures, putting Gachagua’s future in peril while still this turn of events paints a picture of betrayal from a region that has historically been pivotal in shaping Kenya’s leadership dynamics.
Despite being a staunch defender of the region’s interests and a key player in President William Ruto’s election victory, Gachagua’s fall from grace could signal a major shift in the political alliances of Mount Kenya.
The region, which has traditionally played a kingmaker role in Kenyan politics, now faces the possibility of losing its top representative in government.
The Deputy President, who hails from the vote-rich Kikuyu community, has found himself isolated, with prominent MPs such as Kimai Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Irene Njoki (Bahati), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Erick Wamumbi (Mathira ),Elijah Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North ) and Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South) among others voting to impeach him.
This move could be seen as a strategic calculation by the MPs to align themselves with President Ruto’s camp, distancing themselves from Gachagua as his influence wanes.
They claim that they had to impeach him to save their political careers considering that the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua had earlier warned them of their political future.
Gachagua had threatened them that they might not make it to December if they fail to support his bid.
Following the impeachment, the parliament speaker Moses Wetangula will write to his senate counterpart Amason Kingi will will either constitute 11 members committee to investigate the DP or call for a full house hearing.
If the Senate follows through and impeaches Gachagua, the political landscape in Mount Kenya will shift dramatically.
The Constitution mandates that President Ruto will have to nominate a new Deputy President, and speculation is already rife about who could fill the seat.
Political analysts suggest that Ruto will be under immense pressure to maintain the ethnic balance in his government, meaning his choice for Deputy President is likely to come from the Mount Kenya region.
Names like Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, and firebrand Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro have been floated as potential candidates.
Notably, Ndindi Nyoro was absent in parliament on Tuesday and also he had not signed for the impeachment of Gachagua a week ago.
Political analysts argue that Ndindi Nyoro conduct as well as silence might be by design considering that incase he is appointed as Gachagua successor, the mount Kenya region could not view him as betrayer.
Kithure Kindiki, who has built a reputation as a loyal technocrat and efficient administrator, also stands as a top contender.
Kindiki’s impressive legal background and experience as Senate Deputy Speaker may give him an edge.
However, Governor Ann Waiguru’s rising popularity and strong ties within the region’s political elite cannot be overlooked.
Waiguru, a seasoned politician with a strong grassroots following, could be Ruto’s way of consolidating support among Mount Kenya women voters.
This dynamic has put Mount Kenya’s leadership in a precarious position.
On one hand, they risk alienating the electorate by betraying one of their own; on the other, they have an opportunity to secure a strategic position in the post-Gachagua era.
Political survival seems to have taken precedence, as many of the region’s MPs have sided with Ruto, likely hoping to secure their future in a government that no longer includes Gachagua.
Mount Kenya’s betrayal of Gachagua could be viewed as a broader reflection of the region’s shifting allegiances.
Historically, the region has demonstrated a pragmatic approach to politics, often rallying around power to ensure its continued influence at the national level.
The voting pattern of MPs from Mount Kenya during the impeachment process demonstrates that they may be preparing for the next political chapter — one that does not include Rigathi Gachagua.
If Gachagua is ousted, the move will likely leave a vacuum in Mount Kenya’s leadership, creating an intense scramble for dominance within the region.
As the political dust settles, the question remains: will the region’s leaders unite behind a new figure, or will the internal divisions deepen, leaving Mount Kenya politically fractured?
In any case, the region’s importance to the current administration cannot be overstated.
With political heavyweights like Kindiki, Waiguru, and Nyoro in the wings, Mount Kenya will likely play a significant role in determining who will become the next Deputy President, reaffirming the region’s role as a key player in Kenyan politics, even amid internal betrayal and shifting loyalties.
