Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has taken a fresh jab at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, mocking his earlier claims of commanding full control of the Mt Kenya voting bloc. In a fiery address that drew laughter from the crowd, Kihika accused the DP of overestimating his influence while failing to impress voters on the ground.
According to Kihika, Gachagua went around Mt Kenya bragging that he had the region “in his pocket,” only for political reality to prove otherwise. She painted a dramatic picture of the DP’s campaign tactics in Mbeere North, claiming he went to extraordinary lengths in his quest to win hearts.
In her remarks, she stated:
“Gachagua alikuwa anatembea akijipiga kifua ati anatembea na kura yote ya Mt Kenya kwa mfuko. Huko Mbeere North, alikuwa anaingia kwa manyumba anaosha vyombo, anaosha nguo, anawapikia, anakamua ng’ombe—na bado Ruto amemuosha.”
Kihika’s comments drew cheers as she implied that, despite the DP’s alleged efforts to appear humble and relatable, President Ruto ultimately sidelined him, proving that influence in Mt Kenya cannot be earned through theatrics or exaggerated self-praise.
Her remarks come amid growing tension within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, especially after recent political shifts, public disagreements, and the visible weakening of the DP’s grip on the region. Kihika, a close Ruto ally, has been vocal in criticizing what she describes as Gachagua’s divisive approach to politics and his attempts to weaponize regional identity.
Supporters of Kihika argue that she is simply calling out truth—claiming that Mt Kenya’s political dynamics have changed and that no single individual controls the region’s vote. They say the governor’s boldness is a reflection of the confidence many leaders have in President Ruto’s strategy heading into 2027.
On the other hand, Gachagua’s allies have dismissed her remarks as disrespectful, arguing that the governor is trying to undermine the DP to gain favor within the inner circles of power. They maintain that Gachagua remains the most influential Mt Kenya leader and that attacks from within the coalition will only divide the region further.
As political temperatures continue to rise, Kihika’s latest jab has added fuel to an already blazing rivalry inside Kenya Kwanza. With 2027 fast approaching, the battle for Mt Kenya’s loyalty is shaping up to be one of the biggest political fights in the country.
