Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a notable appearance at the Kirinyaga residence of Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The meeting, which has set political tongues wagging, comes amid swirling speculation about efforts to consolidate a united political front in the Mount Kenya region.
While the details of the discussion remain closely guarded, the convergence of two influential Mount Kenya leaders has reignited debates about the region’s political trajectory as the 2027 general election approaches.
Gachagua’s political manoeuvring
Gachagua has been actively engaging with various leaders from Mt Kenya, hosting Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of County Assembly (MCAs) at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.
Beyond the region, he has also welcomed political leaders from other parts of the country, further fueling speculation about his intentions to forge alliances ahead of the next election cycle.
Despite his impeachment as Deputy President, a move that remains under judicial review, Gachagua’s political influence persists.
The Kenyan Constitution prohibits impeached persons from vying for elective office, leaving Gachagua’s potential candidacy in 2027 uncertain.
However, analysts suggest that Gachagua’s ability to rally Mount Kenya voters could still make him a pivotal player in shaping the country’s political landscape.
Mt Kenya’s political rift
The meeting between Gachagua and Karua underscores the shifting dynamics within the Mount Kenya region, traditionally a cornerstone of Kenya’s electoral politics.
President William Ruto, who once enjoyed robust support from the region, now faces dwindling allegiance following his fallout with Gachagua.
The rift has led to conjecture that Mt Kenya voters might withhold their support from Ruto in 2027.
In response, President Ruto appears to be courting political bases traditionally aligned with opposition leader Raila Odinga, including Nyanza, Western, Nairobi, and the Coast regions.
The government’s backing of Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has further fueled speculation about a potential political realignment.
Observers suggest that Raila’s support for Ruto in 2027 could be a condition tied to his AUC ambitions.
Should Raila’s bases overwhelmingly support Ruto in 2027 the way they have been backing Baba over the years, then the president stands a big chance of being re-elected.
Karua’s role and regional politics
Martha Karua, known for her unwavering stance on governance and democracy, remains a formidable figure in national politics.
Her meeting with Gachagua could signal a broader strategy to consolidate Mount Kenya’s political clout.
With both leaders commanding significant respect in the region, their collaboration – whether formal or informal- could have profound implications for Kenya’s political calculus.
What lies ahead
As the country awaits clarity on Gachagua’s legal and political future, his ongoing engagements suggest a leader determined to remain relevant.
Meanwhile, the speculation surrounding Karua and Gachagua’s meeting reflects the high stakes of the 2027 elections and the pivotal role Mt Kenya is poised to play.
The unfolding developments highlight the fluidity of Kenyan politics, where alliances are forged and recalibrated in pursuit of electoral advantage.
Whether this meeting marks the beginning of a united Mt Kenya front or a broader political realignment remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes are on the region and the ripple effects this alliance might create.
