Gachagua’s Wamunyoro, Kindiki’s Irunduni and Kariuki’s Gacharu: The New Power Centres in Mt Kenya

Rival political centres are emerging in Mt Kenya as key figures compete for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election, threatening to further divide a region that has long voted as a powerful bloc.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has positioned himself as the leading challenger to President William Ruto’s influence in the region. Since his impeachment in 2024, Gachagua has rebuilt his political base through the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), presenting himself as an opponent of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His candidate’s decisive victory in the Ol Kalou by-election over the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has been presented by his supporters as evidence of declining support for Ruto in Mt Kenya. Gachagua has said the region has broken with the President and intends to use its large voter base to oppose his re-election.

His Wantam movement, based at his home in Wamunyoro, has become a centre for political planning and mobilisation, attracting delegations from across Mt Kenya and other parts of the country. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sought to challenge Gachagua’s influence by holding his own political meetings at Irunduni. 

However, his efforts have yet to match the momentum generated by Gachagua, raising questions about his ability to consolidate support in the region. Kindiki also faces internal divisions, including calls from Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku for greater political independence for Mt Kenya East. 

Ruku has accused the western counties of betraying the east while maintaining his support for Ruto and Kindiki. The disagreement highlights the growing divide between the eastern counties of Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi and the western counties of Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua and parts of Laikipia.

Ndia MP George Kariuki has emerged as another figure seeking to establish a political base in the region. His home in Gacharu has become a venue for political consultations, where he has begun a 90-day process that is expected to culminate in what he calls the “Gacharu Declaration”.

Kariuki’s recent statements have fuelled speculation that he could have ambitions beyond his constituency. There is also speculation that he could be considered as Ruto’s preferred running mate if he can demonstrate an ability to mobilise support in Mt Kenya West.

Kariuki has urged voters to assess leaders on their competence rather than their party affiliations. His approach has appealed to voters who are dissatisfied with partisan politics.

His emergence as a third centre of influence is seen as part of efforts to win back support in Mt Kenya West, where opposition to Ruto has grown, and to strengthen the President’s position in a region that strongly backed him in the 2022 election.

The political contest is significant because of Mt Kenya’s large voter base and its influence on national elections. The region’s division could therefore affect the balance of power ahead of 2027.

Governance expert Prof Gitile Naituli has argued that Gachagua has established an unusually strong position in the region, with many residents regarding him as a defender against what they see as marginalisation by the Kenya Kwanza administration. Naituli also argues that the region’s close social and economic ties could make it difficult to divide its political loyalties. 

Ruto has repeatedly reminded Mt Kenya voters of their contribution to his election victory and maintained that his relationship with the region remains strong.