The stage is set for a titanic duel between President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, as the political landscape in Kenya braces for a showdown that promises to dominate the discourse leading up to the 2027 elections.
Gachagua, impeached in a dramatic vote in October, has vowed to mount a formidable comeback while hinting at a political strategy aimed at reclaiming influence in Mount Kenya, a region crucial to both their political fortunes.
Gachagua has capitalised on the anti-Kenya Kwanza sentiment emerging in the region following his fallout with Ruto, a former ally and friend. He has openly declared his intent to forge alliances with other prominent leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ODM boss Raila Odinga, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
“Mt Kenya will never go to anyone cheaply. Come rain, come sunshine; our votes will never make us slaves again,” Gachagua asserted during a rally, signaling his determination to mobilise the region against Ruto’s administration.
In contrast, President Ruto is proactively working to undermine Gachagua's support in Mount Kenya by courting members of the Kenyatta family, particularly Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies. This strategy aims to consolidate Ruto’s power and diminish Gachagua’s influence. Speculation is rife that Ruto may consider integrating prominent figures such as Uhuru’s younger brother, Muhoho, former Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, and former Interior PS Karanja Kibicho into his government.
Ruto’s allies have criticised Gachagua’s approach, viewing his rhetoric as mere activism devoid of constructive solutions.
“If you behave as an activist and you know that the government works with a plan, you are misleading Kenyans,” Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri remarked, implying that Gachagua should focus on offering alternatives rather than merely criticising the administration.
Despite the turbulence, Gachagua’s narrative resonates with many disillusioned constituents who feel left behind by the current government. The former DP has accused Ruto of running a “one-man show,” where Cabinet Secretaries are reduced to mere “flower girls” with no real power.
In a recent interview, Gachagua claimed that Ruto’s administration is characterised by a lack of transparency, stating, “All government projects are planned by the President and his team of economic advisers. The President is never questioned.”
Gachagua has also been vocal about the recent Cabinet reshuffle, labeling it a “waste of time” and criticising Ruto’s ambitious health initiatives, including the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Social Health Authority.
He argues that these initiatives are poorly conceived and lack the necessary funding, resulting in chaos and contractor withdrawals.
Moreover, Gachagua has leveled serious allegations against Ruto, claiming that the President attempted to bribe him with substantial sums of money to resign quietly. He has further alleged that his impeachment was orchestrated through monetary incentives offered to MPs, emphasising that those responsible should not expect support from Mount Kenya voters in the future.
“The MPs who were paid to impeach me should never set foot in Mount Kenya. We will vote for other leaders who cannot sell their community,” Gachagua declared.
The former Deputy President has also reported feeling unsafe, alleging there have been attempts to disrupt his public appearances.
This has led him to hire ex-servicemen for protection, a move that underscores the increasingly hostile political environment.
He believes that by collaborating with established leaders like Odinga and Musyoka, he can forge a coalition powerful enough to challenge Ruto’s dominance in 2027.
However, Gachagua’s path to reclaiming power is fraught with challenges. Ruto’s administration has demonstrated resilience in the face of criticism, and the President has publicly committed to delivering on his promises, despite the obstacles.
“We agree we have challenges, but I know they are ones which we can surmount,” Kiunjuri reiterated, expressing confidence in Ruto’s leadership and the administration’s capacity to navigate Kenya’s complex socio-economic landscape.
Political analysts are closely monitoring the shifting dynamics between Ruto and Gachagua.
The former DP’s vocal opposition may galvanise some factions within Mount Kenya, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into broader support as the election approaches. The Kenyatta family’s potential alignment with Ruto could significantly alter the political calculus, potentially isolating Gachagua further.
As both leaders prepare for what promises to be a contentious electoral battle, the stakes could not be higher.
The outcome of this political duel will not only determine the future of Ruto and Gachagua but also shape the broader narrative of governance in Kenya. The political landscape is evolving rapidly, and the strategies employed by both sides will be crucial in securing the allegiance of the electorate.
