Gachagua's 'Kingpin' Ambitions Face Flak in Mt. Kenya, Unifying Mission Stumbles

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's attempts to solidify his grip on Mt. Kenya politics have hit a snag, with his "kingpin" aspirations facing resistance from within the region itself. Despite pledging to unite the region behind President Ruto's agenda, Gachagua's moves have instead exacerbated existing fissures.

The Deputy President's ambition was laid bare during a recent meeting with Mt. Kenya leaders in Nyeri, where he declared, "I will be in charge of the Mt. Kenya region, and I will ensure we give President Ruto a 60% share of the vote in 2027." This pronouncement, however, did not sit well with many local leaders.

"Who made Gachagua the kingpin?" quipped Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, echoing the sentiments of others who bristled at the assertion of unilateral leadership. "We must respect the democratic process and allow the people to choose their leaders," she added.

The friction is further fueled by Gachagua's ongoing rivalry with Public Service CS Moses Kuria, another Mt. Kenya heavyweight with his own political ambitions. The two have traded barbs publicly, highlighting the lack of harmony within the Kenya Kwanza camp.

Adding to the discord is Gachagua's strained relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose influence in the region remains significant. Gachagua's efforts to mend fences with his former patron have yet to bear fruit, leaving a crucial power vacuum in the wake of Kenyatta's exit.

These internal divisions threaten to undermine Gachagua's stated goal of consolidating Mt. Kenya support for President Ruto. The Deputy President faces the delicate task of navigating competing interests and egos while delivering on development promises that could solidify his position.

Meanwhile, as Gachagua grapples with internal challenges, opposition figures like Raila Odinga are already making inroads in the region. Odinga's recent visit to Nyeri, where he was warmly received by a section of the crowd, served as a reminder that Mt. Kenya's political landscape remains fluid and far from a foregone conclusion.

With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Gachagua's bid to control Mt. Kenya will be closely watched. Can he bridge the internal divides and unify the region behind President Ruto's agenda? Or will Mt. Kenya's political terrain remain fragmented, offering fertile ground for opposition players to exploit? Only time will tell.