Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is positioning notable Mt Kenya political figures to unseat MPs who supported his impeachment last November.
The former DP has embarked on an aggressive campaign across Mount Kenya constituencies, urging residents to vote out the said sitting MPs.
Gachagua has on many occasions explicitly called for the rejection of lawmakers who supported his removal, framing their actions as betrayal.
While at it, political pundits hold that he has poisoned the ground, hampering the activities of most of the incumbents.
A number of the MPs who backed the impeachment have met pockets of resistance in their backyards.
Claims are also rife that some of the leaders have avoided public engagements with the constituents and only do so in controlled spaces.
It is now emerging that Gachagua is caucusing with political opponents of the said lawmakers, worsening their prospects of retaining their seats in the 2027 poll.
In Murang’a county, the former DP has endorsed former NCIC commissioner Wambui Nyutu to replace Woman Representative Betty Maina.
The MP was among the 48 lawmakers from the greater Central who vehemently campaigned for Gachagua’s removal.
Similarly, in Mathira, the former DP is backing efforts to replace Eric Wamumbi, who happens to be Betty’s husband.
On Tuesday, the lawmaker – a once Gachagua-ally now turned political foe – told the Star that the moves would come to naught.
He dismissed claims that he cannot conduct his activities in the constituency, adding that the voters are well-versed about the events.
“It is a lie. I visit the ground as usual. I was there on Monday, was in the office and met people. Gachagua is a liar par excellence. In Mathira, where he comes from, I am doing meetings constantly. I keep explaining to people why he had to go home,” Wamumbi said.
He added, “People are listening to us as we explain why we removed him and what the government is doing to improve Kenyans’ lives. They are resonating well.”
In Kiambu county, the former DP has aligned himself with former Thika Town MP Wainaina Jungle.
It is unclear what Jungle is up to. In his last public sentiments, Jungle said he was discussing how to work with Gachagua at the “party leaders’ level”.
In Murang’a, incumbent Senator Joe Nyutu, an ally of Gachagua, is reportedly eyeing the gubernatorial seat with his support.
Additionally, Gachagua is rallying behind Ngunjiri Wambugu to challenge Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge in the next election.
In Othaya, the former DP is working with Patrick Ngunjiri – popularly known as Wakili wa Mashinani, to face off with Wambugu Wainaina.
Nyandarua Woman Rep Faith Gitau is also being challenged by Ngima Wamae while Peter Wambugu, alias Pemwa, has been positioned to challenge Ronald Karauri in Kasarani constituency.
The former DP is also reportedly bidding for Purity Kendi to face off with Jane Kagiri in Laikipia, even as Kiambu’s Ann Wamuratha could be pit against Mercy Nungari.
Nungari vied for woman MP in the 2022 election but failed in the face of the UDA wave that swept nearly all seats in the region.
Sources intimate to the Star that Gachagua has been holding meetings with former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, Jude Njomo (ex-Kiambu MP), Ngunjiri and Kabinga Wa Thayu, among other notable figures from the region.
Recently, the former DP stated that he had a political game plan in the works and exuded confidence in beating Ruto’s side.
“When the time comes, I will tell you what we need to do,” he said in Tetu on Sunday.
He said MPs from the region who took part in his ouster should prepare to face defeat in the upcoming polls.
“Even if they come here guarded (by state functionaries), they [MPs] are still unwanted,” Gachagua said.
For her part, Nyandarua Woman MP Faith Gitau disagrees with the notion that their electorates have turned their backs on them.
While dismissing Gachagua’s relevance, Gitau asserted that the former DP is no threat.
“He is politically finished and no longer offers value to the region. We are fully behind President William Ruto and his capable deputy, Kithure Kindiki,” she said. “Gachagua has nothing to offer Mount Kenya. He has nothing positive to offer to the people,” Gitau added.
The MP stated that the region cannot afford to risk being in the opposition.
“The purported Gachagua’s euphoria will not bring development to Mt Kenya…we will continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.”
Political analysts now describe the unfolding scenario as a high-stakes game that could reshape Mount Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
They state that Gachagua’s saga is not just a political drama but a reflection of deeper tensions within the region’s politics.
Political analyst and JKUAT don Charles Mwangi argued that Gachagua’s approach is both defiant and strategic.
“By positioning himself as a defender of the region’s interests, he is not only consolidating his base but also framing the impeachment as an attack on Mount Kenya’s unity,” he said.
The impeachment staged sharp divisions in the region’s political class.
A section of voters have staged protests and voiced frustration over what they see as a calculated move to weaken Mt Kenya’s collective bargaining power.
Pro-Gachagua factions emphasise loyalty to the region’s identity and interests, while others argue that aligning with President Ruto and Kindiki is more pragmatic.
The central call by the lot is that it would be “a sure way for maintaining influence in the national government”.
Recently, DP Kindiki warned Gachagua against threatening sitting MPs with ousters and inciting masses against the incumbents.
He said the time for politics would
come and that the government
wouldn’t allow anyone to derail its
plans with premature competitive
politics.
