Peter Mbae dismisses talk of Gachagua struggling to unite Mt Kenya votes
Former Head of Government Delivery Services (GDS) Peter Mbae has rubbished suggestions that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will face a difficult time consolidating the Mt Kenya vote ahead of the 2027 General Election, even though many of his closest allies lead political parties of their own.
According to Mbae, such claims stem from a shallow understanding of the region’s political dynamics and fail to acknowledge the deep trust and coordinated backing Gachagua enjoys across Central Kenya.
Speaking on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, during an exclusive interview with popular YouTube platform Kogi’s Corner, Mbae said Kenyans should not misinterpret the existence of several Mount Kenya-based parties as evidence of political disunity.
“The first thing I want to tell Kenyans from Mount Kenya is that they should not feel alone or like people who have been misled. Party leader Gachagua will soon bring us together and give clear direction on the way forward,” he began, confidently declaring that Gachagua would soon summon all like-minded leaders for a consultative meeting to lay out a unified direction.
Mbae revealed that within ten days of Gachagua unveiling his own political vehicle, there would be a sweeping exodus from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), particularly from Mt Kenya leaders and their supporters who are aligned with Gachagua’s cause.
He projected that by the end of the month, close to three million people will have abandoned UDA, noting that many leaders who do not already have their own parties will likely align with Gachagua’s.
“We want leaders from the mountain to ditch UDA quickly. And if they don’t have their own outfits, they will probably join Gachagua’s new party. By the end of the month, I expect around three million people will have walked away from UDA,” he explained.
Drawing a parallel with ODM leader Raila Odinga, Mbae argued that a leader must have their own political structure to wield true bargaining power in national politics.
“Look at Raila Odinga—he has survived through different regimes because he has ODM. That’s what gives him negotiating power in his region, and that’s the same strength Gachagua is building,” he said.
Mbae was adamant that the parties currently led by Gachagua’s allies are not rivals but instruments of a broader strategy, and all of them remain loyal to the former deputy president.
“These are not factions; they are fully behind Gachagua,” he stressed, cautioning against over-analysing the presence of multiple parties.
“Let everyone enjoy their freedom to associate—but when the time comes, we shall converge and move as one. That is what matters.”
He expressed confidence that, once properly mobilised, the region would move into the 2027 polls with the kind of cohesion that would deliver a strong bargaining chip on the national stage.
“The moment we come together with over 100 MPs, senators, and MCAs, that will become our leverage,” he said, adding that Gachagua’s influence already stretches across more than eight counties in the Mt Kenya region.
He brushed off the idea of vote-splitting as unfounded, explaining that even those who are expected to challenge Gachagua politically will be fielding their own presidential candidates, effectively negating any perceived advantage.
“We are not the only ones fielding leaders. Our rivals also have their own ambitions. The good thing is—we already know this and are preparing accordingly,” he asserted.
Mbae concluded by proposing that smaller parties from the region should consider merging with or aligning themselves to a dominant outfit ahead of 2027.
“That way, we will not have to struggle explaining our position to the voter. One agenda, one voice—that’s the ultimate goal,” he said.
Resignation from Ruto’s govt
Mbae’s remarks came a paltry five months after he resigned as the head of Government Delivery Services (GDS), citing a challenging work environment and long-standing unresolved issues.
In a formal request to relinquish his duties via his X account on Monday, January 13, 2025, Mbae outlined his journey in public service and the circumstances that led to his resignation.
Mbae revealed that the Public Service Commission first appointed him in January 2023 as the Secretary of Investments Promotion in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI). During this time, he also served as the head of the Ministerial Delivery Unit.
He said he approached his work with utmost commitment and a genuine desire to contribute to the Kenya Kwanza Government’s vision of sustainable transformation for citizens. However, he noted that persistent unresolved issues had made it impossible for him to effectively carry out his duties.
“In all these positions, I served diligently with utmost commitment and sacrifice, driven solely by the genuine desire to achieve sustainable transformation in the lives of citizens in line with the Kenya Kwanza Government manifesto,” Mbae stated.
