Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sent a stern political message to President William Ruto, hinting that Mt Kenya could align its political allegiance with Western Kenya in the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua emphasized the region’s willingness to explore new political alliances, signaling a shift in the mountain’s traditional voting patterns.
Gachagua noted that the unwavering support President Ruto received from Mt Kenya in 2022 might not be guaranteed in 2027. He pointed out that the region’s four million votes, which accounted for 47% of Ruto’s support base, are no longer a certainty. Instead, he suggested that Mt Kenya could pivot toward backing a leader from Western Kenya or even Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
“The same way the mountain people helped you in 2022 could be the same way we may back Western Kenya in 2027,” Gachagua said. He emphasized the need for opposition leaders to remain united, claiming the political tides in Mt Kenya were already shifting.
Highlighting his concern over unfulfilled promises to Western Kenya, Gachagua criticized the lack of progress in delivering 1,000 kilometers of tarmac roads promised to the region. He also lamented that some individuals had labeled him tribal, especially during Ruto’s recent tour of Western Kenya.
“I have been called tribal, but before, nobody saw me as tribal. When we voted in the last general election, we knew we were not voting based on tribalism,” he said. Gachagua pointed out that the region had overwhelmingly supported Ruto, with 87% of votes cast for the President, rejecting candidates of their ethnic lineage such as Raila Odinga and Waihiga Mwaure.
The former deputy president further criticized Ruto’s government for failing to deliver on key promises, which he warned could alienate voters. He urged Mt Kenya residents to remain united while signaling the region’s readiness to take a different political direction.
“When people cannot listen to your condolences, you know it’s over,” he quipped, referring to the dwindling political goodwill toward Ruto in Mt Kenya.
Gachagua’s remarks underscore an evolving political landscape in Kenya, with regional dynamics poised to play a significant role in shaping the country’s future leadership. As 2027 approaches, all eyes will be on how these political alliances unfold.
