President William Ruto is facing a critical test of his political strength in the Mount Kenya region following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by the National Assembly.
The region, which played a decisive role in Ruto’s 2022 presidential victory, is showing signs of discontent after the DP’s removal, a move perceived by some as orchestrated by Ruto himself.
Gachagua’s impeachment has ignited passionate reactions from several Mount Kenya leaders and residents.
Murang’a Senator Joseph Nyutu, echoing the sentiment of many in the region, warned that removing Gachagua could strain relations between the President and the region, saying, “No Gachagua, no Ruto.”.
This has heightened concerns that the impeachment could alienate the very voting bloc that helped propel Ruto to the presidency.
The Senate is expected to decide Gachagua’s political fate in the coming days.
The National Assembly had already voted overwhelmingly in favor of the impeachment, with 282 MPs supporting his removal.
Notably, several MPs from Mount Kenya joined the majority, signaling a growing divide in the region’s leadership.
Gachagua himself has publicly claimed that the impeachment has the blessing of his boss, accusing President Ruto of turning against him.
Gachagua has framed his impeachment as part of a larger betrayal, alleging that he is being punished for refusing to follow unconstitutional directives from Ruto.
He also hinted at revealing sensitive information about the government’s inner workings, a move that could escalate tensions further.
Political analysts are divided on the implications of Gachagua’s removal for Ruto’s influence in Mount Kenya.
Edwin Mwangi , a political commentator in recent media interview stated that Ruto’s standing in the region has already been damaged, and the impeachment only worsens the situation. “Ruto lost Mount Kenya a long time ago. The impeachment is just adding to it,” he remarked.
However, not all analysts share this view. Albert Kasembeli, another political observer, argues that Ruto’s support in the region remains solid.
According to Kasembeli, Gachagua’s removal will have little long-term impact on Ruto’s political base.
“Ruto still enjoys the support of a majority of the region’s residents. The suggestion that he has lost Mount Kenya is misleading,” he said.
Ruto’s choice of Gachagua’s successor is expected to play a significant role in shaping his future relationship with the region.
Several prominent Mount Kenya figures, including Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Public Service CS Justin Muturi, are reportedly being considered as potential replacements. While some believe appointing another Kikuyu could appease the region, others warn that it may not be enough to reverse the growing discontent.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Mount Kenya’s political dynamics are further divided between the Kikuyu-dominated West and the Embu, Meru, and Mbeere communities of the East. Some analysts argue that picking Kindiki, who hails from Mount Kenya East, could stoke further rebellion in the West while enhancing Ruto’s influence in the East.
Despite the heated political climate, Ruto has remained largely silent on Gachagua’s impeachment.
This silence has fueled speculation about the President’s strategy, with some suggesting that he may be preparing to offer concessions to Mount Kenya in the form of political appointments or development projects to maintain control.
While Gachagua enjoys sympathy from sections of the Mount Kenya electorate, political analyst Begrace Mwaura cautions that this support may be short-lived. “The Deputy President is currently benefitting from the sympathy of the Mountain, but how long he can milk that sympathy is the key question,” she noted.
As the Senate prepares to vote on Gachagua’s fate, Mount Kenya remains a critical battleground for Ruto.
His ability to navigate the fallout from the impeachment could determine whether he can retain the region’s support heading into the 2027 elections.
For now, the political drama continues, with both Ruto and Gachagua vying for the hearts and minds of the region’s voters.
