Tough test for Gachagua as Mbeere North by-election looms

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a surprise move on Wednesday, just days before his much-anticipated tour of Mount Kenya, Ruto nominated Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary.

Ruku, if approved by Parliament, will replace Justin Muturi as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.

The appointment is widely seen as a challenge for Gachagua, as Mbeere North residents will soon head to the polls to elect their next MP.

Gachagua has previously insisted that the Mount Kenya region has parted ways with President Ruto over his alleged betrayal of their trust after his impeachment last year.

Until now, Mount Kenya was the only region without a major by-election in the pipeline, despite recent vacancies in the National Assembly, Senate and ward assemblies.

Ruto’s nomination of Ruku now presents a significant test for Gachagua, whose yet-to-be-launched political party is expected to compete against the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Gachagua is set to unveil his new party in May, and with the electoral commission expected to be fully in place by then, by-elections are likely to be held by October.

At least four constituencies—Magarini, Banisa, Ugunja and Malava—are also preparing for by-elections, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape and testing the unity between Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

In Baringo county, voters will elect a new senator following the death of UDA’s William Cheptumo.

In a strategically calculated move, Ruto picked Ruku, who was elected on a Democratic Party ticket—a party linked to Muturi.

“By-election pap!” Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa posted on X shortly after Ruto dismissed Muturi.

Beyond his Mbeere roots, Ruku’s nomination creates a political dilemma for Gachagua, who has repeatedly positioned himself as the undisputed kingpin of Mount Kenya politics.

Gachagua has been holding back-to-back meetings with politicians from Mount Kenya at his Wamunyoro Residence to firm up his grip on the region and consolidate support.

Recently, Ruku distanced himself from Gachagua’s decision to issue a 30-day notice to exit the Kenya Kwanza coalition, stating that he remains committed to the ruling alliance.

Speaking on March 17, Ruku reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasising that despite being a member of the Democratic Party, he does not recognise the decision to leave the coalition.

“I'm a member of the party, but I don’t recall attending a meeting where we discussed withdrawing from Kenya Kwanza. Therefore, I do not consider that decision binding to me,” Ruku stated.

All eyes will be on Mount Kenya as President Ruto embarks on his seven-day tour—the first since August 2024.

Observers will closely watch the region’s reaction to Ruto’s nomination of Ruku, a fellow Mbeere native like Muturi, as the political dynamics in Mount Kenya continue to evolve.

Reports indicate that the President's tour of the Mountain will begin on April 1.