Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has issued a stern warning to those opposing impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring them traitors to the Mt. Kenya region. Speaking during a Sunday service in Nyeri County, Kahiga reaffirmed the region’s unwavering loyalty to Gachagua and pledged solid support for him in the 2027 general elections.
“Hapa hatutaki wasaliti. Kuchukua hicho kiti wewe ni msaliti na sisi tuko nyuma ya Gachagua. We remain solidly behind him,” Kahiga stated emphatically, emphasizing the collective commitment of Mt. Kenya leaders to protect Gachagua’s political standing despite his recent impeachment.
A Region Divided
The impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua has stirred political tensions within the Mt. Kenya region, dividing leaders and residents alike. While some have stood in solidarity with the Deputy President, others have supported President William Ruto’s decision, reflecting broader political rifts.
Governor Kahiga’s remarks underscored a growing narrative within the region that opposing Gachagua is equivalent to betraying regional unity. He warned those who might accept Cabinet Secretary (CS) positions offered by the government to remain in Nairobi, cautioning against their return to Nyeri.
“Kama kuna kiti kitalewa Nyeri ni kimoja na ni cha President. Sisi hatutaki mawaziri. Tunyang’anywe Deputy President tuletewe mawaziri?” he challenged, rejecting the idea of CS appointments as a substitute for Gachagua’s ouster.
Political Fallout from Gachagua’s Impeachment
Gachagua’s impeachment has drawn significant attention across the political spectrum. His allies have rallied around him, condemning the move as a politically motivated attempt to weaken the Mt. Kenya region’s influence. Meanwhile, critics have applauded the President’s decision, citing governance concerns.
The fallout has extended beyond political rhetoric, with Gachagua recounting harrowing experiences of targeted violence. He recently described an attack during a funeral in Limuru on November 28, which he termed a “well-planned attempt on my life.”
Gachagua alleged that his security detail was withdrawn a week before the attack and accused the Kiambu County security team of complicity. He claimed that senior officials at Tigoni Police Station facilitated a “safe corridor” for the attackers, who reportedly disrupted the event as early as 8 a.m.
In an interview with NTV, Gachagua lamented the absence of uniformed police at the event and alleged that vehicles attempting to leave the funeral were blocked by officers in unmarked Subarus. “This was not an ordinary incident; it was a calculated move to intimidate me and my supporters,” Gachagua said.
Kahiga’s Rallying Call
Governor Kahiga has called on Mt. Kenya leaders to close ranks and stand firmly behind Gachagua. He urged political adversaries to desist from targeting the Deputy President, emphasizing that Gachagua had already retreated from active politics.
“If you see us being silent, leave us alone. We are following what we have been told to do. If he says we speak, then we will, but for now, he has said we remain quiet. You impeached him; now leave him alone,” Kahiga asserted.
Looking Ahead
The events surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment signal deepening divisions within Kenyan politics, particularly in the influential Mt. Kenya region. Governor Kahiga’s comments underscore the high stakes as the region seeks to assert its unity and relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the political dust settles, the focus will likely shift to whether Gachagua can maintain his political base and influence amidst mounting challenges. The narrative of betrayal, loyalty, and regional pride is set to dominate political discourse in the coming months, with Nyeri and the larger Mt. Kenya region at the epicenter.
For now, the Mt. Kenya region remains a battleground of loyalty and dissent, with Gachagua’s fate serving as a litmus test for the region’s political cohesion. Whether his allies can sustain the momentum amid these challenges will significantly impact Kenya’s political trajectory moving forward.
