Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s influence over the Mt Kenya political bloc is facing resistance.
President William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, are working behind the scenes to undermine his grip ahead of the 2027 election. They are leveraging key politicians and opinion leaders to counter Gachagua’s narrative.
The Kikuyu Council of Elders has scheduled a meeting next week to discuss these strategies, among other issues. National chairman Wachira Kiago confirmed that elders from various communities will convene at Two Rivers on February 28 to discuss peace initiatives.
“We want unity across the country. Kenya should remain peaceful, integrated, and free from divisive political rhetoric,” Kiago said.
This meeting comes as the government intensifies efforts to suppress anti-Ruto dissent.
DP Kindiki has transformed his Karen residence into a political hub, hosting high-profile meetings with key figures to realign Mt Kenya politics in Ruto’s favor.
His strategy includes reconnecting with influential leaders, religious figures, and opinion shapers to gradually shift political loyalty from Gachagua.
Former Jubilee leaders who previously opposed UDA but are now gravitating toward Ruto’s administration have been attending these meetings, largely due to Kindiki’s behind-the-scenes efforts.
Political analyst Charles Mwangi Ng’ang’a describes the Ruto-Kindiki strategy as two-pronged: first, attracting influential figures who had distanced themselves from Kenya Kwanza by offering them new roles, and second, assigning political tasks to grassroots leaders to erode Gachagua’s support.
“Kindiki’s approach is multifaceted. It promotes Kenya Kwanza’s economic transformation agenda while also dismantling Gachagua’s political base,” said the JKUAT scholar.
In response, Gachagua is forging new alliances with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s 2022 running mate Martha Karua, and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Once considered the undisputed voice of Mt Kenya in Ruto’s administration, Gachagua has become increasingly vocal in his opposition.
He has been holding parallel meetings, rallying grassroots support, and championing the “one-man, one-vote, one-shilling” economic model.
During a church service at AIPCA Antubetwe in Igembe North on Sunday, Gachagua dismissed Kindiki’s efforts, claiming Mt Kenya leaders were being bribed to align with the government.
