Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent activities have highlighted the ongoing tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government, with his visit to a church service in Murang’a County on Sunday coming just hours after meeting with former MPs, aspirants, and MCAs from Nairobi and Nakuru counties.
Gachagua, attending the Almighty God Ministries Church service in Mathioya, Murang’a, was joined by key leaders in the region, signaling his continuing efforts to maintain influence in his stronghold. His speech, highly anticipated, is expected to offer insight into his evolving political stance, especially as he has increasingly voiced criticism of President William Ruto’s administration in recent weeks.
Just a few hours prior to the church service, Gachagua had convened with former politicians, including ex-MPs Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Mercy Gakuya (Kasarani), and a number of other regional leaders from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Murang’a. During the meeting, Gachagua encouraged the leaders to remain attuned to the needs of the people they serve. He emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, reminding them that it is ultimately the voters who decide the future of the political landscape.
Meanwhile, over 400 kilometers away in Uasin Gishu, another church service was attended by President Ruto’s allies, including some of Gachagua’s vocal critics. Among them were Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who have both frequently challenged Gachagua’s position within the government. The service in Uasin Gishu also saw the presence of several governors from the Rift Valley region, including Jonathan Chelilim Bii (Uasin Gishu), Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Hillary Barchok (Bomet), and Simon Kachapin (West Pokot). Erick Wamumbi, Mathira Constituency MP and a known Gachagua ally, was also in attendance in Uasin Gishu, further deepening the rift within the ruling coalition.
The clash between Gachagua and some of his Kenya Kwanza allies has been growing, with recent exchanges highlighting personal and political divides. Notably, Sudi refuted Gachagua’s claims regarding his influence in the Mount Kenya region, stating that other local politicians were better suited to the deputy presidency position and that Gachagua’s selection had been an internal UDA compromise.
As Gachagua continues to assert his position, both in church services and political forums, the future of the Kenya Kwanza alliance remains uncertain, with divisions potentially impacting the strength of President Ruto’s leadership.
