As President William Ruto completed his whirlwind tour of Nyeri and Laikipia, touting the government’s development projects and strengthening his relationship with the people of Mt. Kenya, a significant absence was felt.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, once the face of Mt. Kenya’s political muscle, remained conspicuously silent throughout the visit—a silence that may indicate more than just a personal choice.
It could very well mark a turning point in the political dynamics of the region and his diminishing influence.
Throughout Ruto’s visit, his presence was met with enthusiasm, with the people of Nyeri and Laikipia rallying behind the president’s vision of development and unity.
From the unveiling of large-scale housing projects to the promise of improved infrastructure and youth empowerment, Ruto showcased his commitment to the region. His speech was filled with warm promises that resonated with ordinary citizens.
Yet, one key political figure was absent from the president’s interactions—Rigathi Gachagua.
The deputy president, once seen as the undisputed political kingpin of Mt. Kenya, failed to make any significant public remarks or engagements during Ruto’s tour.
This was not the first time Gachagua has been somewhat sidelined in recent months, but his quiet during Ruto’s moment in the spotlight cannot be ignored.
It raises serious questions about the state of his political influence within both the region and the ruling government.
Ruto’s visit to Mt. Kenya was a clear attempt to solidify his bond with the region. His Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) aims to address the region’s unique socio-economic issues, promising real development and prosperity.
From affordable housing projects in Nyeri to infrastructure investments in Laikipia, the president’s presence felt like a direct response to the concerns voiced by the Mt. Kenya people during the earlier months of his presidency.
Political analyst Edwin Mwangi observes:
“Ruto’s approach to directly engaging with the people is working. He is delivering on promises and involving the community in the process. Gachagua’s silence during this critical period can be seen as a symptom of a deeper issue—his inability to keep up with the region’s evolving priorities.”
Ruto’s speeches, focused on job creation and regional development, appear to have reignited the trust that had waned in his leadership.
Gachagua, who had often focused on political rivalries and regional unity under the UDA banner, seems out of step with this more grassroots-driven agenda.
His silence, therefore, may be a reflection of his struggle to find a balance between loyalty to the president and asserting his own political voice.
As Ruto continues to win over Mt. Kenya with tangible results, Gachagua’s political relevance seems to be diminishing. The deputy president’s vocal criticisms of regional leaders who are perceived as disloyal to Ruto may have alienated him from key political figures in the region, making it harder for him to secure widespread support.
Meanwhile, Ruto’s inclusive approach, which focuses on development over divisive politics, has positioned him as a leader who listens to the concerns of the common people.
Jkuat Don and political analyst Charles Mwangi, explains:
“The tension between Ruto and Gachagua has always been there, but Ruto has been careful not to alienate Gachagua outright. Instead, he has taken the strategy of focusing on development to overshadow any potential rivalries. Gachagua’s silence shows he has no clear answer to the growing concerns over his influence in the region.”
So, what does Gachagua’s silence mean for his future political ambitions? As the deputy president remains relatively quiet during Ruto’s period of heightened popularity in Mt. Kenya, many wonder if he has the political will to assert himself again.
Gachagua has long been seen as a key figure in the Mt. Kenya political landscape, but his inability to engage effectively with the grassroots, coupled with his failure to capitalize on his strong regional base, leaves his future uncertain.
In contrast, Ruto continues to rise as the undisputed leader of the region, building on the economic agenda that resonates with the people.
The question is no longer about whether Gachagua can challenge Ruto for control of Mt. Kenya; rather, it’s whether he can remain relevant in the face of a president who is already delivering what the region wants.
