Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s ambitions to dominate Mt Kenya politics have put him at odds with his boss, President William Ruto, amid growing speculation of internal discord within the Kenya Kwanza government. Gachagua, known for his blunt approach, has been pushing for unity in the Mt Kenya region and advocating for more resources to be allocated to the area under the one-man-one-shilling-one-vote principle.
However, close allies of President Ruto have criticized Gachagua for focusing on regional politics instead of fostering national unity. They accuse him of campaigning prematurely for Mt Kenya’s support ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers note that Gachagua’s strategy mirrors President Ruto’s early campaigning during the second term of the Jubilee government under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On September 15, President Ruto openly rebuked those engaged in early campaigns, seemingly aimed at Gachagua. He emphasized the need to focus on fulfilling the promises made to Kenyans rather than eyeing the 2027 elections. “Let’s focus on delivering to the people of Kenya… not 2027… and if God decides otherwise, what will you do?” Ruto remarked.
The tension between the two leaders was evident over the weekend when Gachagua was notably absent from a church service at the AIPCA Central Western Archdiocese in Nyeri, where President Ruto was present. Gachagua, who was expected to host Ruto in Nyeri, chose to attend a different service at Our Lady of Sorrows Baricho Catholic Parish in Kirinyaga County, raising eyebrows.
The divide was further highlighted when Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru delivered a Ksh.2 million donation from President Ruto to the Catholic Parish, a role usually reserved for Gachagua. Waiguru explained that she had pressed the president to contribute despite his absence, which sparked questions about Gachagua’s diminishing role in such engagements.
Meanwhile, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a key ally of Gachagua, pledged his loyalty to President Ruto, distancing himself from regional politics. This came as a surprise, given the growing rift between the president and his deputy. Additionally, Gachagua’s influence in the region has been undermined as 69 MPs from Mt Kenya declared their support for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, positioning him as their link to the government, thereby sidelining Gachagua.
To make matters worse, Gachagua has faced public criticism from Ruto’s inner circle, with some calling for his removal from office. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah remarked, “That viper in your government, please shake it off… not that it cannot bite you, but so you can work freely,” a clear jab at Gachagua during a church service in Nairobi.
Despite being a key ally of President Ruto during their 2022 election campaign, Gachagua’s absence at several important events, including meetings with foreign dignitaries and state visits, has raised concerns about their fractured relationship. On multiple occasions, Gachagua was notably missing, including during the arrival of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and when President Ruto returned from trips abroad.
As speculation grows about a potential realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, with some alleging President Ruto might seek an alliance with ODM, all eyes are on his relationship with Gachagua and the unfolding dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
