Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has faced isolation within his political stronghold of Mount Kenya in recent weeks.
Once celebrated as the region’s unifying figurehead, Gachagua's challenges, especially after alleging government intimidation of his supporters, have escalated.
The Deputy President's rise to prominence was propelled by overwhelming support from Mt Kenya leaders.
They saw him as their foremost representative following the retirement of former President Uhuru Kenyatta from active politics.
However, recent developments have exposed divisions within this once-solid support base.
At a women's empowerment fundraiser in Kesses, Uasin Gishu a month ago, Gachagua accused Rift Valley leaders close to President William Ruto of sowing discord in his home turf.
These leaders, along with youthful figures from the mountain, are plotting to seize power.
Their ambitions for 2032 are destabilising the region.
"The issue lies with a few leaders from this region (Rift Valley) who are close to the president. They are meddling in our politics, deceiving people to start planning for matters concerning 2032. That's the root of the problem," Gachagua said.
But the region remains united despite the challenges.
"In the past, our youth and people were mobilised to oppose former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and now these same individuals are mobilising against me," Gachagua remarked.
He expressed regret for his criticism of the former President during the 2022 general election, attributing it to "misinformation within the Mount Kenya region".
The DP has since ramped up his quest for a united mountain.
Gachagua has actively toured and engaged with locals, seeking forgiveness from the people of the region, urging supporters not to turn against its own leaders.
"Let us not envy our sister who married a wealthy husband, for that man may even educate our children. When we see our youth being used to divide our community, I urge you to counsel them against such divisions," the Deputy President said.
Any leader not committed to regional unity was a 'sellout, traitor, and collaborator,' he added, urging the community to reject them.
"Let us embrace love, show mercy to others and be considerate of everyone because unity prevails in other communities. Division is sown within our region, but I say never again will we turn against our leaders."
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli highlighted the challenges facing Mt Kenya's consensus.
“Gachagua's push for unity is a façade. His real aim seems to be consolidating power within a small clique, sidelining those who disagree with him. This is not the way to build a cohesive region. "
The clash between local autonomy and national cohesion continues to shape Kenya's complex political landscape, Kasembeli said.
His sentiments echo those of Gachagua's critics within Ruto’s circle, who term the DP's tactics as divisive and fostering tribalism.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro have publicly criticised Gachagua for intimidation and blackmail.
They also accuse the DP of pursuing unpopular policies.
Ichungw’a said the DP's heavy-handed tactics are creating rifts instead of fostering unity.
“If we truly believe that we hold offices that bestow on you the role of being a symbol of national unity, seek to unite the people of Kenya not the people of Mt Kenya,” he said.
Nyoro said his differences with Gachagua came after he (Nyoro) launched Kiharu Masomo bora.
Wamumbi also confirmed his fallout with Gachagua, citing issues beyond local concerns.
"It is true. There is a rift between the Deputy President and I. The rift is not about the closed bars in Karatina town which have left the town dead for four months," Wamumbi said.
Something bigger led to their differences, the MP added, and Gachagua should "come out and speak the truth".
Murang’a women representative Betty Maina also hinted at deeper woes, accusing Gachagua of giving "them" a “dirty assignment”.
"They" refused to undertake the assignment, she posted social media, vowing to reveal details of the fallout between her husband (Wamumbi) and the DP.
But Gachagua's woes are not uncommon.
Political analyst Charles Mwangi from JKUAT, said since independence, deputy or vice presidents have faced public fallouts with the President, or mistreatment from his inner circle.
The same political dynamics that led to Ruto’s clash with Uhuru are now affecting Gachagua.
“It’s very ironic that those individuals who fought for William Ruto while serving as deputy to Uhuru Kenyatta are the same now fighting his deputy Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
The DP is swiftly reshaping his image as a representative of the people within the government, which could impact Ruto’s support in Mt Kenya come 2027, Mwangi added.
Party of Democratic Unity National Leader Isaiah Gichu emphasised the need for Kenya Kwanza leaders to unite and support both the President and his deputy.
Gachagua's intentions to unite Mount Kenya are genuine, Gichu said, but noted the approach has led to significant friction among leaders.
"Unity is a noble goal, but it must be pursued democratically and inclusively. Gachagua's strategy needs to evolve to accommodate dissenting voices, ensuring that the process is inclusive and participatory," Gichu said.
However, Gachagua is not entirely without support.
Embakasi North MP, James Gakuya, recently took issue with his Kiharu counterpart.
Gakuya called out Nyoro, Laikipia East lawmaker Mwangi Kiunjuri and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi for "attempting to tarnish Gachagua’s reputation within his own constituency".
This was intended to depict Gachagua as parochial and lacking national appeal.
The leaders were promoting Nyoro as the most suitable candidate to replace Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara is among those defending Gachagua, saying other communities support their leaders wholeheartedly.
"When our community entrusts a leader with responsibility, we should refrain from pointing fingers at him. This unity is evident in other regions, such as the Rift Valley, where the current President has enjoyed unwavering support," Kihara said.
"We must end the trend of attacking Gachagua because he carries the aspirations of the Mount Kenya region. He assured us that our community would thrive under the UDA government."
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also voiced his concern, saying the people of Mt Kenya would not tolerate the mistreatment of Gachagua.
He said the Deputy President did not receive his position through appointment, but was elected like any other leader, deserving of full respect.
Another political analyst, Joseph Gachane, observes that the DP's strategy to consolidate grassroots support echoes past tactics but introduces new dynamics.
“As Gachagua navigates these turbulent waters, the balance between addressing local demands and fostering national priorities will be crucial. The road ahead is uncertain, but the Deputy President remains steadfast in his mission, determined to see his vision for a united Mount Kenya realised,” Gachane said.
The challenge lies in balancing local demands with national priorities to promote inclusive development.