Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reaffirmed that a significant number of Mt Kenya lawmakers are prepared to resign from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and seek re-election under his yet-to-be-unveiled political party. Speaking during a TV interview on Monday night, Gachagua maintained that his new party has gained immense traction in the region, positioning itself as the dominant force in Mt Kenya politics.
According to Gachagua, the decision to delay the official launch of the party until May was strategic, ensuring that the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was completed. He noted that while consultations for the formation of the party had been finalized by February, it was the collective decision of stakeholders to hold off the announcement until the electoral body was fully in place.
“The whole mountain has moved from UDA,” Gachagua declared, emphasizing that the ruling party’s support in Mt Kenya was largely due to his influence. “UDA was Riggy at the mountain. Without Riggy G at the mountain, there is no party there.”
Gachagua assured those willing to make the bold move of resigning from UDA that they would be re-elected with a significant majority, branding them as “heroes” of the region’s politics. He reiterated that his political movement has already established structures, with interim officials drawn from across the country. He disclosed that the interim national chairman hails from Kajiado, the national organizing secretary from Machakos, the deputy party leader from Kakamega, and the interim assistant national treasurer from Migori.
“Ours is a serious national party, but it is the home of the mountain,” he stated, arguing that the party’s stronghold in Mt Kenya provides it with significant political influence. He also claimed that his movement has gained traction in Kajiado, Narok, Samburu, Kisii, and various counties in the Western region.
Gachagua further criticized recent leadership changes in Parliament, where leaders from his region were replaced, terming it a deliberate move to undermine Mt Kenya’s political influence within the ruling coalition.
Among the key figures aligning with Gachagua’s new political movement are Senators John Methu (Nyandarua), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), and Lenku Seki (Kajiado). Several MPs, including Mukurweini’s John Kaguchia, James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, have also signaled their allegiance to his camp.
As the country anticipates the official unveiling of Gachagua’s political vehicle, his declaration sets the stage for a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election.
