Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reignited political discourse by alleging that the Western Kenya region did not receive the positions promised in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance agreement. Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Luhya radio stations, Gachagua claimed that the region was entitled to a significantly larger share of government positions but was instead given only a fraction of what was agreed upon.
According to Gachagua, the initial agreement between President William Ruto and Western Kenya leaders Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula stipulated that the region would receive 30 percent of all appointive positions in government. These were to include Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Ambassadors, and other key roles in state corporations and commissions. However, the former DP asserts that only two Cabinet positions were allocated, far below the expected six or seven.
“Mudavadi and Wetang’ula signed an agreement with the President that you’d get 30 percent shares in the Kenya Kwanza government but never got it,” Gachagua said. “The agreement said you’d get the seat of the Prime CS and the Speaker. It said you would get 30 percent, which is about six or seven cabinet slots but now you only have two.”
To back his claims, Gachagua made public documents outlining the Kenya Kwanza power-sharing deal. The documents, which were deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties, indicate that the Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford Kenya were supposed to share the promised 30 percent of government appointments equally.
The political agreement, as per Article 21, clause (n), explicitly states: “ANC and FORD-Kenya shall have 30 percent share of the positions in the National Government including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Chairpersons of State Corporations, Directors of State Corporations, and Chairpersons and Commissioners of Constitution Commissions.”
Beyond highlighting the alleged shortfall in appointments, Gachagua also urged the Luhya community to remain politically united to strengthen their bargaining power in future elections. He argued that Western Kenya has historically failed to leverage its numbers effectively, leaving it politically vulnerable.
“It is sad that a large community like the Mulembe Nation is settling for leftovers,” he remarked. “Why should such a populous group rely on pity and generosity when it has the numbers to lead? That does not make sense.”
Gachagua further appealed to the region to align with his political camp, hinting at strategic partnerships ahead of the 2027 elections. “It is my prayer that the Mulembe Nation joins us in the winning team because, with their support, victory will be much easier.”
His remarks have sparked fresh debate on political equity within Kenya Kwanza and the broader landscape of Kenyan politics.
