Mt Kenya’s political chessboard pits allies of President William Ruto against those of DP Rigathi Gachagua in a battle for dominance.
Mt Kenya has become increasingly disputed as tensions escalate. The region is at a crossroads with significant ramifications for the country’s political landscape and the 2027 polls.
DP Gachagua has accused the President’s close allies of undermining his authority and sowing division within the region.
He and his troops say his reputation has been tarnished and the administration favours younger leaders, possibly as Ruto’s 2027 running mate.
They say Mt Kenya that voted for Ruto is suffering from some of his taxation measures and he is not giving the region the benefits it deserves.
This friction has sparked concerns about potential fragmentation and lack of unity in what used to be a solid voting bloc. It voted for Ruto in 2022.
During a recent church service in Kieni, Gachagua warned the Mt Kenya region will regret failure to unite. He emphasised the importance of cohesion, saying internal divisions could weaken the mountain’s collective political influence.
Political analysts observe a discreet power struggle between Ruto and Gachagua, with each vying to consolidate their control and influence in Mt Kenya.
While Ruto seeks to maintain the loyalty of MPs who supported his campaign, Gachagua is simultaneously working to build his own political base ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli predicts an open clash between Ruto and Gachagua will significantly shape the future of Kenyan politics leading to the 2027 polls.
He highlighted the diverging methods and end goals of each leader, suggesting potential implications for the political landscape.
"The friction between Ruto and Gachagua indicates deeper strategic manoeuvres. Both leaders are trying to consolidate control, but their methods and end goals appear to be diverging, which could have significant implications for the 2027 elections," Kasembeli said.
He said the friction between Ruto and Gachagua is a classic power struggle and Gachagua's strategy to court Ruto's allies is a bold move. It could either consolidate his power or deepen the rift within the UDA party.
Gachagua's bold strategy to court Ruto's allies has reportedly swayed some former supporters, unsettling the President’s camp within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Additionally, Gachagua has shown clear intentions of reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in an effort to consolidate the region.
Gachagua, on Friday in Limuru, urged Uhuru to forgive those who wronged him in 2022.
After the inauguration in 2022, the DP delivered a scathing attack on the Uhuru administration for leaving the country in a mess.
Gachagua made the "I’m so sorry" remarks on his way back from Nyandarua county, where he had attended a thanksgiving event. He acknowledged past mistakes and assured they would not be repeated.
"The other day, I was on the radio and I said we are sorry, I was wrong as well as you people and we seek forgiveness; it will never happen again in Mt Kenya," he said.
However, Ruto still retains the backing of key leaders in Mt Kenya, including prominent figures such as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
These figures have been mentioned as potential Gachagua successors as Ruto's running mate in 2027.
On the other hand, Gachagua has successfully courted leaders such as Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa (Kiambu), Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, MP Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Senator Veronica Maina (nominated), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman Representative), MP Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central) and Senator Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga).
These leaders have become the DP’s constant defenders against Ruto's allies, accompanying him at numerous events.
However, rifts within the region have intensified, with accusations flying between opposing camps.
The situation deteriorated when former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri alleged that Ruto's allies, including CS Kipchumba Murkomen and MP Oscar Sudi, were orchestrating a smear campaign against Gachagua.
“They are in the forefront of the incitement campaign and the fight against the DP. They have sufficient funds to carry out their plan, they are leading the meetings, together with youthful leaders from Mt Kenya region,” Ngunjiri claimed.
Additionally, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, during a church service in Nyeri, asserted that these leaders aim to present MP Nyoro as a more suitable successor to Gachagua in 2027.
In response from President Ruto’s camp, leaders have accused Gachagua of promoting divisive politics.
They include Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei and MPs Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache) and Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Sotik MP Francis Sigei criticised the practice of restricting leaders to their electoral zones as outdated and detrimental.
He referred to Gachagua’s recent call for leaders to stop ‘political tourism’ in other constituencies and stick to their own zones.
MP Kiborek said, “It is retrogressive for a leader to tell other leaders not to visit areas where they were not elected. I need visitors to come to my area and help me with my development agenda.”
President Ruto's silence has added to the confusion with political analysts arguing it may be interpreted as tacit approval of his allies' actions; while it also leaves room for speculation and uncertainty.
They argue this ambiguity only adds to the confusion surrounding the situation.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, in an interview with Inooro TV, denied collaborating with those tarnishing Gachagua's image. He accused Gachagua of engaging in political activism rather than substantive governance.
Kiunjuri argued Gachagua should use his influence to push for policy changes through appropriate channels.
“We have the Deputy President from our region, the Majority leader, the Chief Justice, the CS for Treasury, the CS for Water, the CS for Lands, and many others from this region. Before we castigate the government for allegedly short-changing the region, why can’t we first call a meeting of all these leaders and ask them these pertinent questions?” Kiunjuri said.
He said Mt Kenya has a golden opportunity to request projects, given the number of powerful individuals it has in government.
Political analyst and JKUAT lecturer Charles Mwangi Ng’ang’a said the relationship between Ruto and Gachagua seems to be okay, despite media speculation.
"The dynamics at play reflect the typical jostling for power and influence seen in many political environments. Both Ruto and Gachagua are navigating complex relationships and competing interests, and their actions will continue to shape the political landscape in Mt Kenya and beyond.”
MP Wamaua recently told Gachagua to soldier on and not be distracted from uniting the people of Mt Kenya.
“DP Gachagua, do not be distracted by busybodies. Focus. Those who are talking a lot today were not there when you and we were campaigning for this government. They were busy with other parties, while others came in the evening,” she said.
Senator Maina urged Gachagua to continue with the same spirit of working hard and working for the people. She said Gachagua will be vindicated in time.
“I signed your certificate with President Ruto. I can confirm you are the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and no one can take that from you,” she said.
Murango said the Mountain has been set against itself and instead of focusing on development, region leaders are fighting for their own interests.
“This is a set-up. The mountain has been set against themselves. Instead of focusing on development, we are here fighting ourselves and having a fat dream of thinking we can inherit a seat that is not vacant,” he said.