The political landscape in Kenya has recently been rattled by an escalating rift between President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. The feud, which has caused ripples of anxiety across the country, has prompted former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri to publicly call out the clergy for failing to intervene. Ngunjiri, addressing local leaders in Nakuru, expressed concern over the escalating tensions, suggesting that the church should step in to mediate and foster peace between the two top leaders. His comments reflect growing fears that the feud could derail governance and destabilize the nation at a critical time.
As Kenya grapples with pressing economic and social challenges, the rift between the President and his Deputy threatens to divert attention from service delivery and effective governance. In this article, we explore the origins of the conflict, its implications for the nation, and the potential role of the church and other mediators in resolving the political standoff.
The Genesis of the Feud: Political Tensions and Factionalism
The tension between Ruto and Gachagua has been brewing for months, with their relationship strained by diverging political strategies and leadership styles. While the two leaders campaigned together in the 2022 general elections under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, their differences have become more apparent since taking office. Observers point to Gachagua’s aggressive approach to consolidating political power in his home region of Mt. Kenya as one source of tension. Ruto, on the other hand, has adopted a more nationalistic approach, seeking to broaden his political base beyond the traditional strongholds of his deputy.
Political analysts also suggest that Gachagua’s role as a power broker in Mt. Kenya has made him a target for factions within the ruling coalition who feel threatened by his influence. The Deputy President has been accused of undermining the President’s agenda by creating political factions within the government, a claim that Gachagua has vehemently denied. Nonetheless, the growing distrust between the two leaders has led to public confrontations and veiled attacks, creating an atmosphere of political uncertainty.
Ngunjiri’s Plea: The Church Must Step In
Former MP Kimani Ngunjiri’s call for the church to mediate the conflict comes at a time when the nation is increasingly divided along political lines. Speaking during a meeting in Nakuru, Ngunjiri expressed frustration with the clergy’s silence, arguing that religious leaders have a responsibility to foster peace and unity among political leaders. “The President is from the AIC, and Gachagua is from PCEA, where are your pastors, and all the other churches?” Ngunjiri asked, pointing out the religious affiliations of the two leaders and the need for their respective churches to intervene.
Ngunjiri’s call resonates with many Kenyans who view the church as a neutral institution capable of bridging political divides. In Kenya’s history, the church has often played a critical role in mediating political disputes and advocating for peace during times of crisis. During the 2007-2008 post-election violence, for example, religious leaders were instrumental in calling for dialogue and reconciliation. Ngunjiri believes that a similar intervention is needed now to prevent further escalation of the Ruto-Gachagua feud.
The Role of the Church in Political Mediation
The church in Kenya has long been a moral compass, often stepping in to mediate during times of political and social crises. Religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), have historically played pivotal roles in advocating for justice, peace, and national unity. However, in recent years, some critics argue that the church has become more passive, failing to speak out against political injustices and corruption.
Ngunjiri’s comments underscore a broader concern that the church is losing its voice in the political arena. The former MP urged religious leaders to rise above political affiliations and act as peacemakers, reminding them of their moral duty to promote peace. “We did a lot in building a peaceful nation, we are worried about the rollback the bickering among our top leaders is creating,” Ngunjiri lamented.
The silence of the church on this issue could be attributed to a number of factors, including the fear of being entangled in political controversies. However, Ngunjiri and other local leaders argue that the church cannot afford to remain silent when the nation’s stability is at stake.
Political Fallout: Calls for Gachagua’s Impeachment
The political rift between Ruto and Gachagua has also spilled over into Parliament, where calls for Gachagua’s impeachment have gained momentum. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah confirmed that a motion to impeach the Deputy President would be tabled in Parliament, with over 300 MPs reportedly backing the move. Under the Kenyan Constitution, a successful impeachment would require the support of at least 233 MPs, meaning that Gachagua’s political future is hanging in the balance.
While the impeachment process is a constitutional mechanism for removing public officers from office, it has the potential to further polarize the political landscape. Supporters of Gachagua view the move as politically motivated, aimed at weakening his influence within the government. Others, however, argue that the Deputy President’s actions have undermined the unity of the administration and that his removal is necessary to restore order.
If the impeachment motion is successful, it would mark the first time in Kenya’s history that a sitting Deputy President is impeached. This would set a significant precedent and could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political stability.
Impact on Governance and Service Delivery
As Ngunjiri pointed out, the ongoing feud between Ruto and Gachagua is not just a political matter; it has serious implications for governance and service delivery. With both leaders preoccupied with internal wrangling, key government programs and policies are at risk of being delayed or derailed. The public sector, already grappling with economic challenges and budgetary constraints, could face further setbacks as a result of the political standoff.
Local leaders in Nakuru echoed Ngunjiri’s concerns, urging the two leaders to prioritize the nation’s development over their personal differences. “The country is facing many challenges, from unemployment to inflation, and we need our leaders to focus on solving these problems instead of fighting each other,” said one elder.
The political impasse is also causing uncertainty among investors, who are wary of the instability that could arise from a protracted political feud. Kenya, a regional economic hub, relies heavily on foreign investment and stable governance to maintain its economic growth. Prolonged political instability could deter investors and slow down economic recovery efforts, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Path Forward: Dialogue and Reconciliation
In light of the escalating tensions, many are calling for dialogue and reconciliation as the only viable solution. Political analysts have urged President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua to put aside their differences and engage in constructive dialogue for the sake of the nation. Mediation by neutral parties, such as religious leaders or elder statesmen, could provide a platform for the two leaders to resolve their grievances without further polarizing the country.
The church, in particular, has been identified as a key player in this mediation process. As Ngunjiri suggested, religious leaders from the African Inland Church (AIC) and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) could take the lead in organizing a peace summit between Ruto and Gachagua. Such an initiative would not only help to resolve the current political impasse but also restore public confidence in the church as a moral authority.
The political fallout from the Ruto-Gachagua feud serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in governance. As the nation waits for the next move, it is clear that the road to reconciliation will require compromise, dialogue, and the willingness of both leaders to put the interests of the nation above their personal ambitions.
Conclusion
The political feud between President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns about the stability of the Kenyan government and its ability to deliver on its promises to the people. With tensions escalating and calls for Gachagua’s impeachment gaining traction, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. Former MP Kimani Ngunjiri’s call for the church to mediate the conflict highlights the critical role that religious institutions can play in fostering peace and unity in times of political crisis.
As Kenya navigates this challenging period, the need for dialogue and reconciliation cannot be overstated. Whether through the intervention of the church or other neutral mediators, it is essential that the country’s top leaders come together to resolve their differences and steer the nation toward a more stable and prosperous future. The stakes are high, and the path forward will require both humility and a commitment to the greater good of the nation.
