Gachagua: Mt Kenya Must Have Its Own Party Before May

By John Peter

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially announced his next political move ahead of the 2027 general election, affirming that Mount Kenya will unveil its own political party before May 2025.

Speaking during a live interview on Sunday, Gachagua revealed that he is collaborating with leaders across the region to build a strong party with a national appeal.

“The party is ready, and everything is ‘new’—including its officials. It has a new engine, new wheels, and is in the showroom,” he said, describing its management team.

He stressed that Mount Kenya must never approach an election without its own political party again, citing the mistakes made in 2022 that, in his view, alienated the region. While hinting at a May launch, Gachagua declined to disclose the party’s name, slogan, or symbol.

Gachagua also alleged that President William Ruto’s administration is strategizing to register a party through key Mount Kenya leaders, deceiving voters into believing it represents the region’s interests.

“We know there are plans to introduce many political parties in the region to create division. We also know there are plans to bring multiple presidential candidates from Mount Kenya to divide the votes,” he cautioned.

He urged the people of Mount Kenya to unite and resist divisive tactics that could weaken the region’s political strength.

In addition to unity, Gachagua disclosed that the Kiama Kiama elders had tasked him with uniting the community and steering it away from divisive politics.

Taking a swipe at the current administration, he lamented that Mount Kenya had been sidelined in major government decisions.

“We have seen how we are being ignored. We will not allow this to happen again. Our people deserve respect and representation at the top level,” he stated firmly.

Gachagua’s close allies, including Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, have consistently argued that Mount Kenya should be respected and given its due political influence.

However, his critics, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, have accused him of stoking division and spreading rhetoric that could incite political instability ahead of the 2027 election.