Gachagua’s mounting headache as more Mt Kenya leaders rally support for Ruto

DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua./FILE

Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua is facing mounting challenges as more Mt Kenya political heavyweights boldly rally the region behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

The latest to declare support for Ruto is Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who has launched a high-profile mobilisation campaign aimed at consolidating the region’s backing for the Kenya Kwanza government.

On Saturday, Waiguru addressed a gathering of 2,000 women, urging them to support Ruto and the government’s development agenda. She called on the region to reject opposition politics, stressing that the area cannot afford to be out of government for five years.

“The opposition cannot win the 2027 elections. They lack a clear strategy and agenda to move the country forward,” she said.

Waiguru, together with other like-minded leaders, pledged to unite the region behind Ruto’s second-term bid. “We must align with the winning team. Tomorrow’s journey is planned today. I will be in government and I am never on the losing side,” she declared.

Her support for Ruto comes at a critical time as several regional leaders consolidate behind the incumbent, potentially undermining Gachagua’s bid to strengthen his influence in Mt Kenya. Over three-quarters of MPs from Mt Kenya remain in the President's camp despite Gachagua's rigorous campaign to have them disciplined by voters in 2027.

Two MPs who were initially supporting Gachagua— Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri) and Mary Wamaua (Maragua)—have abandoned him. Gachagua has positioned himself as the region’s political supremo, vowing to use the region to ensure Ruto serves only one term as President. However, the apparent defiance of several leaders and their vow to support Ruto now threatens his dominance in the region.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party, though yet to officially endorse Ruto, has been at the centre of Gachagua’s criticism for allegedly threatening his dominance in the region. Meanwhile, former Trade CS Moses Kuria, through his Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party and Mwangi Kiunjuri’s Service Party, have also been influencing the region’s political dynamics.

Kuria, who had initially hinted at a presidential run in 2027, recently suggested he might contest for Nairobi Governor instead. His involvement in the recently concluded Mbeere North parliamentary by-election drew attention after opposition leaders accused his party of splitting votes, thereby enabling UDA’s victory.

Kuria defended his party, noting that his candidate, Duncan Mbu, garnered 2,480 votes. In the race, UDA beat the DP’s candidate by around 500 votes.

“CCK was formed on August 17, 2021. We have been around long before other parties. To the best of my knowledge, the business of parties is sponsoring candidates. Should we branch off and start selling other things?” Kuria remarked, emphasising that his party acted within its mandate.

He argued that opposition figures campaigned against his candidate, making claims of vote division misleading. Analysts note that the opposition’s recent loss in Mbeere North strengthened the government side’s resolve. “Mbeere North complicates matters for Gachagua,” political analyst Martin Andati observed.

“The loss gives leaders on the government side hope that they have a fighting chance and undermines the former DP’s claim to unchallenged dominance in the region.”

With access to parliamentary resources and state backing, Mt Kenya MPs aligned with Ruto are increasingly viewed as capable of mounting a credible political challenge.

Their allegiance, however, is no longer automatic. Legislators now face a difficult choice between the formidable wave of Gachagua’s rebellion and the incumbent President’s growing support base.