The impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited a fierce political battle in Mt Kenya, a region once thought to be firmly behind him.
The political tides are turning as the once-declared kingpin of the region finds himself grappling with shifting loyalties, deepening divisions, and the looming question of who will emerge as the true leader of Mt Kenya in the run-up to the 2027 general election.
Gachagua’s political future now stands at a crossroads. Once considered the uncontested voice of Mt Kenya following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s exit from power, the former DP now faces a hostile political environment marked by personal ambitions, party rivalries, and generational shifts in leadership.
The power struggle in the region is emblematic of the deeper fractures within Mt Kenya’s leadership.
Political analysts argue that Gachagua’s impeachment has exposed these divisions, setting the stage for a complicated political showdown between the Kenyatta family, Gachagua, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
A significant twist came recently when President William Ruto held an unexpected meeting with his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta in Gatundu.
It has since been revealed that Ruto is likely to incorporate Uhuru’s allies, including his brother Muhoho, into key government roles.
This shift in allegiance has further isolated Gachagua, with Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi stating that the new alliance between Ruto and Uhuru has left Gachagua, along with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, “lost in the forest.”
However, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga offered a different perspective, asserting that Gachagua still enjoys substantial support within Mt Kenya.
“The mountain is fully behind Gachagua,” Kahiga said, “There is no vacuum—he is the people’s Deputy President, and no one should write him off in the 2027 political race.” Kahiga went further, hinting that Gachagua may consider a new political vehicle to advance his political ambitions, including possibly acquiring the Democratic Party of Kenya.
Political analysts, including Macharia Munene, suggest that Gachagua’s populist appeal as a champion of the ordinary citizen could help him weather the storm, despite the growing political opposition.
The Kenyatta family’s stance will be crucial in determining Gachagua’s political fate, with their potential support offering a strategic boost to his prospects.
Munene adds that Ruto’s perceived attacks on Gachagua and his allies could inadvertently enhance Gachagua’s popularity.
Yet, it is not only Gachagua’s past political maneuvers that are under scrutiny. His strained relationship with Ruto and the growing influence of Kindiki, who is increasingly seen as the senior-most politician in the region, adds another layer of complexity.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has warned that Gachagua’s personal grievances should not cloud the broader political interests of Mt Kenya.
With divisions in Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party over allegiances to either Gachagua or Kindiki, the region is increasingly split, with both factions battling for control.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, a Gachagua ally, has urged that Mt Kenya’s voice should not be ignored, emphasizing that the people of the region remain firmly behind Gachagua.
In this complex political landscape, Gachagua must carefully navigate a web of alliances, rivalries, and historical grievances.
Whether he can unite the region under his leadership, or if he will remain a divisive force, will depend on his ability to strategically manage his relationships and align himself with the right political forces.
For Gachagua, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. His political resurrection will require more than just a fight for regional supremacy; it will demand a delicate balancing act between personal ambition, regional unity, and national politics.
