Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked political discussions after hinting at a potential alliance with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a visit to Mbooni, Makueni County, a region widely regarded as Kalonzo’s political stronghold, Gachagua acknowledged Kalonzo’s historical support for the Mt. Kenya region and suggested that the time to repay the favor is near.
A Debt of Gratitude
Gachagua, known for his candid and often controversial remarks, stated that Mt. Kenya owes Kalonzo a political debt dating back to his tenure as the late President Mwai Kibaki’s Vice President. He lauded Kalonzo for his unwavering loyalty during pivotal moments in Kenya’s political landscape.
“Wakati tulikuwa tunafukuzwa na wale walitusaidia, nyinyi mlikuja mkatushikilia, na sisi watu wa Mlima Kenya sisi ni watu tuko na shukrani,” Gachagua said. Translated, he expressed gratitude to Kalonzo for standing with the Mt. Kenya community during challenging times.
He added, “Huyu Kalonzo alisimama na Mwai Kibaki na hiyo deni hatukulipa. Sasa kura lazima tutaweka debe moja.” The former DP emphasized that Kalonzo’s steadfastness has earned him political goodwill in the region, which now comes with accrued interest.
Rallying Mt. Kenya
Gachagua’s remarks signal a strategic shift in Mt. Kenya’s political alignment as he positions himself as a regional kingpin. He has frequently promised to give the Mt. Kenya community political direction in 2024, but his Mbooni visit might have preempted his plans. The former DP’s statement suggests that he is ready to marshal his supporters behind Kalonzo, a move that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Githunguri MP, Gathoni Wamuchomba, echoed Gachagua’s sentiments, challenging Mt. Kenya leaders to consider fostering closer ties with Kalonzo’s Wiper Party. “Ni vibaya mukiingia katika GEMA association? Ni vibaya tukisukuma mmoja wenu aingie State House aonje chai ya State House?” she posed rhetorically.
A Veiled Criticism of Ruto
In the same address, Gachagua took the opportunity to criticize President William Ruto’s administration over recent policies and political maneuvers. He condemned the planned livestock vaccination program, terming it a “top-down imposition” that disregards the voices of ordinary Kenyans.
“Kenyans have a right. Si ng’ombe ni yao? Sasa wewe unaenda hapo na unataka kulazimisha badala usikilize vile wanataka,” he argued, implying that the government’s approach lacked consultation and respect for local perspectives.
Additionally, Gachagua accused Ruto of persecuting politicians in Nyandarua County, following incidents where the president faced hostile crowds during Jamhuri Day celebrations. “Sasa utashika kila mtu? Badala uanze kuandika vitu za ukweli. Unataka kushika kila mtu?” he asked, signaling his dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of dissent.
Implications for 2027
Gachagua’s overtures toward Kalonzo may signify a calculated political strategy aimed at consolidating support from regions historically outside Mt. Kenya’s political orbit. By aligning with Kalonzo, Gachagua could extend his influence to Ukambani and beyond, while simultaneously addressing discontent within his Mt. Kenya base.
For Kalonzo, an alliance with Gachagua and the Mt. Kenya bloc could significantly bolster his chances of clinching the presidency, a seat he has long aspired to occupy.
As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 elections, Gachagua’s statements in Mbooni underscore the evolving dynamics within the country’s political arena. Whether this hinted alliance will materialize remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds a layer of intrigue to Kenya’s political discourse.
