Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a dramatic and strategic move, is crafting an intricate political plan aimed at derailing President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 polls. Gachagua, who has found himself in political turbulence since his impeachment, is relying on his influence in the Mt. Kenya region to challenge Ruto’s hold on the vote-rich area.
Within just two years of assuming office, Gachagua has experienced a falling out with Ruto that has escalated into a political rivalry. His allies claim that the former DP is now leveraging his perceived popularity in Mt. Kenya to effectively block Ruto from securing the region’s votes. According to Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a Gachagua ally, the former DP is laying out “broad-based approaches” to ensure a political comeback following his controversial ouster from office.
Gachagua is not just strategizing locally; he is assembling a network of influential allies from all sectors. He has been engaging in closed-door consultations with political leaders, business figures, and religious leaders in his Nyeri rural home. “The mountain is ours, and we have confirmed that through various meetings,” a Gachagua-aligned senator said. His rhetoric underscores a significant break with Ruto’s leadership, with some claiming that any future political success for Ruto in Mt. Kenya will have to go through Gachagua.
The embattled politician is also reportedly working on a formidable political alliance to challenge Ruto’s re-election prospects. He has publicly criticized Ruto’s administration, highlighting issues like corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of sensitivity to the needs of the people. “You will see him in funerals, social places, churches, harambees, and many other places. He is going to talk to the people and expose this inept regime,” said one of his allies, painting a picture of Gachagua as an active, mobilizing force in his region.
Political observers have noted that Gachagua’s plan to hedge Mt. Kenya against Ruto could be a game-changer. Martin Andati, a political analyst, argued that Gachagua aims to create a scenario where Ruto’s allies would find it impossible to campaign effectively in the region, noting, “It is going to be bare-knuckle.”
In addition to his local efforts, Gachagua has begun reaching out to other political figures. He is reportedly in advanced discussions with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other members of the Azimio coalition to form a powerful alliance. This move is seen as significant given Kalonzo’s growing disenchantment with Raila Odinga’s rapprochement with Ruto. Sources close to Kalonzo suggest that a deal with Gachagua is likely to materialize, with both parties aiming to build a new coalition to deny Ruto crucial support in the 2027 elections. “We are working on the new coalition and looking for new partners, the coalition should be in place by Christmas,” said Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, signaling that a new political landscape could soon emerge.
Gachagua’s political maneuvers are not limited to the usual politicking. Recently, the Kamba community, led by Kalonzo, was reintegrated into the GEMA (Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association), signaling a broader alignment of the Mt. Kenya and Kamba communities. This strategic move positions Gachagua at the heart of a powerful political bloc that could play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.
With 2024 fast approaching, Gachagua is preparing for an aggressive political campaign. His inner circle reveals plans for meet-the-people tours and rallies aimed at consolidating his political support base. These events, they suggest, will lay the groundwork for a new political alliance that could rival Ruto’s.
However, the government is not turning a blind eye to Gachagua’s moves. Sources within the state claim that efforts will be made to stifle Gachagua’s ambitions, preventing him from plunging the country into an early election campaign. Tensions were palpable when Gachagua narrowly escaped harm during a chaotic burial ceremony in Limuru, which he later blamed on state intimidation.
As the political landscape heats up, Gachagua’s strategy to “spoil the party” for Ruto is beginning to take shape, promising an intense and unpredictable battle as Kenya heads toward the 2027 general election.
