Gachagua Moves to Block Ruto’s Influence in Mt. Kenya Political Arena

The political equilibrium in Kenya's Mt. Kenya region is facing a profound upheaval as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua intensifies his influence, challenging both President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

This power struggle has intensified the battle for regional control, with Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) emerging as a potentially dominant force, threatening the multiparty system in the region. Gachagua, whose political ascent has been marked by both controversy and ambition, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of President Ruto's policies and actions. This political posture has triggered concerns among allies of both Ruto and Kenyatta, prompting strategic realignments to regain influence in a region that overwhelmingly supported Ruto in the 2022 elections. 

A significant defection is that of former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, once a close ally of Gachagua, who has now rejoined Kenyatta's Jubilee Party. Wambugu has publicly endorsed Ruto's bid for a second term while advocating for Kenyatta's continued role in shaping Mt Kenya's political direction.

Opposition to Gachagua's ascendance extends beyond Jubilee Party loyalists. Mwangi Kiunjuri, leader of The Service Party, has openly criticized what he describes as Gachagua's authoritarian tendencies. Kiunjuri insists that Mt. Kenya must resist consolidation into a single political entity, emphasizing that multiparty democracy is essential to Kenya's Vision 2030. 

Information Technology Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has also entered the fray, accusing Gachagua of using propaganda and manipulation to consolidate his control over the region. The debate over Mt. Kenya's political future has spilled into the public domain, with Kabogo leveraging televised interviews to criticize Gachagua's methods. He has accused the former deputy president of diverting attention from crucial development initiatives and urged residents to reject his influence. 

Gachagua, however, has dismissed these concerns, framing the government's development agenda as mere tokenism. He has portrayed his opposition as a fight for economic empowerment, advocating for agribusiness, a favorable trading environment, and the eradication of corruption and excessive taxation.

Despite mounting resistance, Gachagua remains resolute. He has warned that politicians who do not align with DCP will face electoral consequences, asserting that Mt. Kenya must unite under a single command structure. 

This rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from rivals, who accuse him of intimidation and defamation to suppress dissent. Kiunjuri has alleged that Gachagua has co-opted religious institutions, using church platforms to attack opponents and recruit followers.

The Ruto administration has intensified efforts to counter Gachagua's narrative. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has escalated campaigns in the region, seeking to repair the damage caused by the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua. Furthermore, Jubilee Party's decision to front former Interior Cabinet Minister Fred Matiang'i as a presidential candidate has introduced additional complexity to the political landscape. Gachagua has opposed Matiang'i's candidacy, arguing that it undermines DCP's bargaining power in Central Kenya.

Gachagua's allies have made it clear that they will not recognize Kenyatta's leadership in the region, insisting that Gachagua is the rightful political kingpin. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a staunch supporter of Gachagua, has dismissed efforts by Ruto and Kenyatta to reclaim control, asserting that Mt. Kenya will follow Gachagua's lead in the 2027 elections.

The growing hostility between Gachagua's camp and his rivals signals a deepening political divide. While Ruto and Kenyatta's allies are determined to dismantle Gachagua's grip, the former deputy president remains unwavering in his mission to consolidate power. His strategy of framing the contest as a battle between economic empowerment and political tokenism has resonated with sections of the electorate, complicating efforts to counter his influence.