Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has changed his political strategy, opting for closed-door meetings at his Wamunyoro residence to consolidate support in Mount Kenya.
Over the past month, Gachagua has kept his political adversaries guessing, shielding potential allies from the prying eyes of state machinery.
Previously, he publicized all his engagements at his upscale Wamunyoro residence, offering Kenyans a glimpse into his political manoeuvring.
However, according to his allies, this shift in approach aims to attract new supporters and further weaken President William Ruto’s perceived dwindling influence in the region.
Gachagua has avoided media coverage while working to solidify his political base in Mount Kenya, carefully selecting which church and public meetings to attend.
He has repeatedly stated his commitment to uniting the region and shielding it from Ruto’s influence, vowing to deliver it to what he calls the "redemption team" of opposition leaders.
When asked why most of the meetings at Wamunyoro remain unpublicized, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya explained that the secrecy is at the request of those seeking political alignments in private.
“It was never the deputy president’s intention to keep these meetings secret, but his guests prefer confidentiality for now,” Gakuya said.
“This strategy protects those pledging their support for Gachagua from possible victimization and reprisals.”
Ahead of the 2022 general election, during his fallout with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto employed similar tactics.
His then-official Karen residence became a hub of political activity, where he held discreet meetings to consolidate his support nationwide.
Ruto also donated wheelbarrows, tailoring machines, motorbikes, and car-washing machines to various hustlers at his residence, winning over millions of Kenyans ahead of the 2022 polls.
His strategy paid off, as he successfully built a formidable political movement that secured his victory against all odds.
Now, Gachagua appears to be borrowing from the same playbook, limiting publicity to safeguard potential allies—especially those still publicly aligned with President Ruto.
An insider revealed that two sitting governors from the Mount Kenya region, who are openly aligned with Ruto, are among the high-profile visitors who recently met with Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home at night.
A senator from a strategic and cosmopolitan county also held a nighttime meeting with Gachagua in recent days.
Nyandarua Senator Joe Methu recently revealed that Wamunyoro has become a hive of activity, with back-to-back meetings throughout the day and night.
“The deputy president is extremely busy, hosting visitors at Wamunyoro around the clock,” Methu said during a funeral.
“As we approach 2027, there will be a stampede of politicians seeking his endorsement.”
Beyond Wamunyoro, Gachagua is also meeting national political heavyweights in Nairobi, favouring hotels to avoid scrutiny from state operatives monitoring his activities.
He has reportedly been holding regular discussions with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
These leaders are strategizing to form a political alliance that could back a joint presidential candidate against Ruto in 2027.
Gachagua rarely holds political meetings at his Karen residence, with insiders attributing this to concerns over state surveillance and counter-strategies targeting his 2027 ambitions.
Political analyst Alexander Nyamboga notes that Gachagua's new approach is designed to minimize exposure and protect his political plans.
“The government is keeping a close watch on Gachagua, as he is seen as one of the biggest threats to Ruto’s reelection,” Nyamboga said.
“By keeping his meetings private, he is ensuring his plans remain discreet while building momentum for 2027.”
Gachagua is expected to launch his political party in May, with many Mount Kenya politicians keen to align themselves with him ahead of the 2027 elections.
The region remains politically restless, with Gachagua’s allies accusing President Ruto of betrayal.
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