Makau Mutua warns Gachagua of being dethroned in Mt Kenya
By Aloys Michael, September 16, 2025Senior Presidential Advisor Makau Mutua has warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of a possible usurpation by the Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi in Mt.Kenya
In an X post on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Mutua said that Muturi has shown his grit and determination by fielding a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-elections, where the Gachagua-led Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) pulled out of the race.
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In a question, Makau Mutua wondered if the move is possible evidence of Muturi positioning himself to dethrone Gachagua
“Is @HonJBMuturi positioning himself to DETHRONE @rigathi Mt Kenya? The latter caved in the contest for Mbeere North after a bruising boardroom fight with the former. Apparently, Mr Muturi still has a little fight left in him,” the statement read in part.
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“Watch out, Riggy G!” he has further cautioned the former deputy president.
Mutua’s remarks come amid tensions in the Mbeere North by-elections following the withdrawal of the DCP Party, a move that forced Gachagua to endorse the Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the November 27, 2025, polls.
Gachagua said the decision was informed by the need to build cordial relations with like-minded partners within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” he said.
“This decision has also been informed by the recognition that the Hon Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party, is a great leader from that region with enhanced capacity and undoubted leadership qualities to lead the Democratic Party into winning the seat.”
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, the incumbent MP, was appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto to head the Public Service and Human Capital Development docket on March 26, 2025.
Is the opposition united?
Opposition ally, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, has dismissed claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has quit the opposition movement, even as the leaders continue to deliberate on who will be the flagbearer in the 2027 contest.
The opposition bigwigs have each declared their interest in running for the top office in the upcoming general polls, raising concerns about a possible unity shake-up should they fail to reach a consensus.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Gakuya, who is a staunch ally of Gachagua, said the DCP boss is strategising on the best tactics to unseat President William Ruto in the general polls.
“Gachagua has not quit the opposition movement. As a wise politician, if they plan to push Ruto out of power, the opposition must not lay all their ammunition cards on the table,” he explained.
The lawmaker maintained that the anti-Ruto troops are united and are beefing up for both the by-elections and the 2027 race.
However, Gakuya warned that any form of division in the process of wooing votes and pursuing political ambitions will weaken the movement’s political vet.
“I do not see a problem, Kalonzo, moving around looking for votes from Kenyans. There is nothing wrong with Matiang’i and Wamalwa moving around looking for votes. However, this team must ensure there is a convergence which shall remain firm,” he said.
“Have you heard Kalonzo or Gachagua complaining that they have started looking for votes?