In a carefully measured political move, allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have opted to refrain from taking direct aim at his successor, Kithure Kindiki. This cautious approach is largely driven by a belief that any such attack would inadvertently fuel efforts to divide the Mount Kenya region, an outcome that could have serious ramifications for the region’s political cohesion, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
Following Gachagua’s impeachment last month, Kindiki, hailing from Mount Kenya East, was swiftly sworn in as the new Deputy President. His elevation marked a significant political shift within the Mount Kenya region, leaving many of Gachagua’s allies concerned about the broader implications for the region’s unity. The ousting of Gachagua has been seen by some as part of a calculated scheme by state operatives to weaken Mount Kenya’s collective political influence by splitting the region into two factions: Mount Kenya East and Mount Kenya West.
In Gachagua’s camp, there is a growing sense of unease about the trajectory of Mount Kenya’s political future. Insiders believe that Kindiki’s rapid rise is part of a broader strategy by state strategists to sow divisions within the region ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Gachagua’s allies still nursing the wounds of his removal from office, they have vowed to stand by Kindiki, recognizing him as the highest-ranking representative of the Mount Kenya region in government. Their main objective is to maintain a united front for the region, despite the growing sentiment that Gachagua’s ouster was unjust.
Rather than launching a public campaign against Kindiki, Gachagua’s allies have opted for a more measured response. By supporting Kindiki in his new role, they hope to counteract any divisive forces at play within the region. This strategy reflects a conscious decision to resist any temptation to engage in a divisive East-West rivalry, which could play into the hands of those seeking to weaken the region politically.
Gachagua himself has been outspoken about the need for his supporters to remain calm and patient in the face of political adversity. While many had anticipated that Gachagua would mobilize his supporters to protest his removal from office, he has explicitly rejected this idea. “I will not allow my people to destroy their property,” Gachagua said during a church service in Kajiado. He went on to emphasize that his supporters would express their dissatisfaction with his ouster through peaceful means, such as song and dance, rather than resorting to violence.
The decision by Gachagua’s camp to avoid attacking Kindiki is a calculated move to prevent the region from being further destabilized. Political commentator and University Lecturer Professor Peter Kagwanja suggests that Gachagua’s allies are engaged in a delicate balancing act. “Kindiki being a fellow mountaineer comes carrying the flag of Mount Kenya East. This is the East that State House strategists are trying to annex for their 2027 agenda,” Kagwanja said. For Gachagua’s camp, any direct confrontation with Kindiki could inadvertently help the state’s agenda of dividing Mount Kenya, something they are keen to avoid.
Furthermore, with Mount Kenya already facing tensions due to Gachagua’s ouster, the former Deputy President’s allies understand the importance of maintaining unity within the region. By avoiding conflict with Kindiki, they hope to keep the region’s focus on broader issues, such as economic development and political representation, rather than getting bogged down in internal disputes that could be manipulated by external forces.
In the coming months, Gachagua’s allies will need to carefully navigate the political landscape to ensure that Mount Kenya remains a strong and united bloc in the run-up to the 2027 elections. While the ouster of Gachagua has left deep divisions, the current approach of supporting Kindiki and avoiding direct confrontation may prove to be a savvy move for the region’s political future. The success of this strategy, however, will depend on the ability of Gachagua’s allies to maintain cohesion and resist the temptation to fall into the traps set by those seeking to exploit the region’s internal divisions.
