Allies of President William Ruto from Mount Kenya are encountering a strong backlash from voters following their support for the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Known for his vocal advocacy of Mount Kenya’s interests, Gachagua’s ouster has left a rift among voters, sparking accusations of betrayal against MPs who sided with his removal.

Last week, Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge faced a hostile reception when attempting to address constituents. His efforts were drowned out by jeers from matatu operators and local residents who called him a “traitor” and a “sellout” for backing Gachagua’s ouster.

Days later, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi encountered similar wrath as his constituents launched a petition to recall him before the 2027 general elections.

Their aim is to collect 31,000 signatures—30% of Mathira’s registered voters—to trigger the legal process to remove him from office.

Political analysts warn that this backlash signals a deeper rift in Mount Kenya politics, where many see Gachagua’s removal as a disregard for the region’s autonomy and interests.

“This is not simply voter discontent; it’s voter fury,” observed Dr. Macharia Mwangi, a political analyst and commentator.

“Gachagua’s impeachment isn’t viewed as just another political maneuver; it’s perceived as a blatant betrayal by those who should have been his closest allies. These MPs are now facing an existential threat to their careers.”

Leading the recall petition against Wamumbi is Samuel Ngari from Kirimukuyu Ward, who accused the MP of betraying Gachagua and misusing his position.

“We cannot allow a leader who would sell out one of our own for his own gain,” Ngari stated. He further alleged that Wamumbi engaged in bribery during public consultations over the impeachment motion and unjustly terminated employees at the constituency office.

“Our goal is to gather these signatures by December when most residents are home, ready to show Wamumbi the door,” he declared with unwavering resolve.

Wamumbi, however, has dismissed the recall campaign as a smear tactic by his opponents, designed to silence him and prevent him from addressing the plight of coffee farmers—a contentious issue in Mount Kenya.

“This so-called petition is just a diversion.

It’s an attempt to shut me up, to stop me from speaking on critical issues,” Wamumbi said, dismissing the backlash as “manufactured drama.” He doubled down, asserting that he would expose what he called “the real thieves” in the coffee sector.

Political experts argue, however, that Wamumbi and his counterparts may be misreading the political moment. “The anger we’re witnessing is deeply personal for many Mount Kenya residents.

Gachagua was seen as their voice, advocating for equitable revenue distribution and standing up to outside interference,” explained Professor Eunice Kamau, a political science lecturer at Kenyatta University.

“By ousting him, these MPs have sparked a movement that could upend the entire political hierarchy in Mount Kenya. Voters feel abandoned, and they are making it clear they won’t tolerate such disloyalty.”

The backlash is also drawing support from key regional figures who have publicly criticized the impeachment move.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, a prominent Gachagua ally, reminded supporters that Gachagua remains popular across the region. “No matter how heavy the trials are, remember resilience is your greatest strength,” Thang’wa said in a pointed message of solidarity. “There’s a whole community behind you, rooting for your return,” he added, predicting that Gachagua would eventually make a powerful comeback.

Analysts warn that these recalls could be the start of a larger reckoning for Mount Kenya’s leadership. “This backlash is more than just frustration over one vote.

It signals a dramatic shift in the region’s political landscape,” said Dr. Mwangi. “For the first time in recent history, MPs are seeing that their decisions will be scrutinized and they will be held accountable by the people they claim to represent.”

As the December holiday period approaches, the recall movement against Wamumbi—and potentially other MPs who voted to impeach Gachagua—appears poised to intensify, with some predicting it could reach a historic scale.

“If the recall succeeds, it would set a powerful precedent not only in Mount Kenya but across the country,” noted Dr. Kamau. “It would send a clear message to all MPs: you cannot betray your constituency and expect to survive politically.”

For now, Mount Kenya’s political ground appears unsteady, with tensions that could reshape the region’s power dynamics.

Voters are no longer satisfied with mere promises; they are demanding loyalty and accountability. The so-called “betrayers” of Mount Kenya may soon discover that the price of disloyalty is political survival itself.

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