Allies of President William Ruto are walking a political tightrope as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua consolidates support in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.
The region has grown increasingly hostile since Gachagua’s impeachment last year, openly expressing contempt for leaders who voted for his removal.
In response, the former DP has been aggressively fortifying his political base, posing a significant threat to Ruto’s loyalists and influential UDA politicians in the region.
Gachagua’s critics—particularly those who played a role in his ouster—now find themselves in a precarious position, as he backs candidates to challenge them in 2027.
Some MPs aligned with Gachagua are reportedly eyeing gubernatorial positions, putting Ruto’s allies, including sitting governors, in a difficult spot.
Beyond holding back-to-back meetings at his Wamunyoro residence to strategise for 2027, Gachagua has vowed to mobilise voters against Ruto’s supporters.
“This region will vote out leaders who prioritise
their own interests over those of the community. Those who sell out our region
for personal political gain will never see leadership again,” Gachagua warned
during a televised interview on Sunday.
Reports indicate that many of Ruto’s allies are feeling the pressure, opting for private meetings in hotels and their homes instead of attending public events to avoid voter backlash.
On Monday, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga openly addressed concerns within Gachagua’s camp, criticising political leaders who have yet to come out and declare their allegiance.
Kahiga, a close ally of Gachagua, challenged Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata to declare whether he supports Gachagua or President Ruto.
“We want to tell Kang’ata to listen to the ground because we are going to follow the direction that the Mt. Kenya kingpin will declare,” Kahiga said at the burial ceremony of Laikipia Senator John Kinyua’s father, Mzee William Nderitu Kinyua, in Kiamariga, Laikipia West.
“We will follow the direction given by this man (Gachagua),” he added.
Kang’ata, however, has carefully avoided taking sides, despite the heightened political activity in the region.
“When President Ruto and Gachagua came to Murang’a, they told me two things: first, to focus on delivering services to Murang’a residents, and second, to offer solutions to the challenges facing the people of Murang’a. That remains my stand,” Kang’ata stated.
Kang’ata, a first-term governor, is among several Mt Kenya leaders who have steered clear of the political divide as Gachagua works to solidify the region.
Others seen as maintaining neutrality include Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, and Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha.
Notably, Wamatangi was absent from a meeting of Kiambu elected leaders held at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s residence in Karen on Monday.
Some governors have however taken a stand in backing Ruto’s camp.
Meanwhile, Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi, a Gachagua ally who has remained loyal to Ruto, has been touring his constituency to gauge public sentiment.
Despite facing resistance from some residents, he insists that Gachagua’s rising popularity does not threaten his 2027 reelection plans.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni faulted Kahiga, dismissing claims that Kang’ata risked losing his seat if he failed to support Gachagua.
Responding to Kahiga’s comments, Kioni described them as unwarranted and unacceptable, warning that Mt. Kenya risks repeating the political mistakes of 2022.
“The attacks on Governor Irungu Kang’ata by Governor Mutahi Kahiga in Laikipia today were not only uncalled for but also unacceptable. This kind of political thuggery has no place in our society,” Kioni said.
“We will not stand by as good leaders from Mt. Kenya are sacrificed at the altar of sycophancy and blind loyalty. We made that mistake in 2022—never again! Mark my words.”
