The two leaders have in recent weeks appeared to shadow each other’s movements, each seeking to demonstrate influence over the vote-rich region that was central to the victory of William Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
Gachagua, who has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the government following his impeachment, briefly stepped out of the Mt Kenya region last week to join leaders of the United Opposition for political rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
But as the opposition caravan pitched camp in the Gusii region, Kindiki was simultaneously touring parts of Mt Kenya East, including Embu and Meru counties, where he drummed up support for the government and the ruling UDA.
He also inspected projects, such as the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kianjai Market.
Ahead of Gachagua’s return to the mountain on Friday, DP Kindiki was on Thursday back in Meru, where he inspected ongoing road projects. At the same time, President William Ruto was meeting MCAs Duncan Nyaga (Evurore) and Peterson Njeru (Muminji), who were elected in the recent by elections in Mbeere North, Embu county. They were accompanied by Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku and Mbeere North MP Leonard Wamuthende.
“We are making progress in transforming politics in Kenya from retrogressive, tribal, divisive and personality-driven contests to issues. This was clearly evident in the recent by-elections, with our party, UDA, carrying the day in a big way,” Ruto said.
The overlapping tours highlight the growing political contest over the region, widely regarded as one of the country’s most decisive electoral blocs.
The visits demonstrate the importance of the region in shaping the outcome of the 2027 presidential elections.
In in Kisii and Nyamira, Gachagua joined leaders allied to the emerging anti-government coalition to criticise the administration’s economic policies and rally support beyond the traditional Mt Kenya political base.
The visits were seen as part of a broader strategy by the opposition to build alliances across regions as it seeks to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
But even as Gachagua campaigned outside the mountain, Kindiki’s presence in Mt Kenya East was interpreted as an effort by the government to maintain its grip on the region and counter the former Deputy President’s growing influence.
Government-aligned leaders accompanying Kindiki framed the tour as part of ongoing development engagements, highlighting infrastructure projects and government programmes in the counties he visited.
The Deputy President has been increasingly visible in the region, leading the by-election campaigns, attending economic forums and inspecting and launching projects aimed at campaigning for the administration in the restive region.
Kindiki is also under pressure to deliver the mountain, amidst contestation for the Deputy President slot in 2027.
As soon as the opposition tour of the Gusii region concluded, Gachagua quickly shifted his focus back to Mt Kenya.
Over the weekend, the DCP leader held meetings in Nyahururu, Nyandarua and Nyeri, where he rallied supporters and criticised the government’s handling of economic issues affecting farmers and small businesses.
Gachagua is expected to continue his mobilisation drive this week with political engagements in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, the backyard of Kindiki.
His return to the region underscores his determination to retain influence in Mt Kenya despite sustained efforts by Kindiki and allies of the President in the region.
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