Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to unveil a new political party, promising it will significantly disrupt Kenya’s political landscape. Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua declared that the movement would reduce some existing political entities to mere shells.
“Hivi karibuni (soon), we are going to unveil our movement; it is a serious movement; it is a national movement but the home of the mountain,” Gachagua stated.
The ex-DP revealed that his decision to form the party came after his impeachment in October 2024, which marked the end of his alliance with President William Ruto. A key architect of the United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) victory in the 2022 presidential election, Gachagua has since become one of Ruto’s most vocal critics.
Addressing Mount Kenya’s Political Void
Gachagua lamented the lack of a regional political vehicle for the Mount Kenya community, arguing that their decision to align with the UDA left the region without a strong bargaining tool. He likened their experience to attending a wedding in a rented car, only to be abandoned midway.
“The people from the mountain have said they were going for a wedding with a hired vehicle; when we got to the river, we were told to disembark. Now we are looking for our own vehicle,” he remarked.
The former DP emphasized that the new party would strengthen the Mount Kenya region’s political base, serving as a platform for regional unity and national influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
A National Movement with Ambitions Beyond Mount Kenya
While rooted in the Mount Kenya region, Gachagua described the upcoming party as a national movement open to alliances with like-minded political groups. He hinted at ambitions to inherit the support base of long-time opposition leader Raila Odinga in Nyanza and Western Kenya, particularly if Odinga exits local politics to focus on his prospective role as African Union chairperson.
“It will be a big vehicle for all Kenyans. We want to join forces with others and mean well for the country,” Gachagua explained.
He dismissed concerns about tribalism, asserting that strengthening one’s base is a necessary step before engaging in broader political negotiations.
The announcement has fueled speculation about a potential realignment in Kenyan politics, with Gachagua positioning himself as a pivotal figure in shaping the 2027 electoral landscape. His upcoming party launch is expected to be closely watched as it may set the tone for Mount Kenya’s role in national politics moving forward.
