How UDA Leaders Mobilized Support for Gachagua’s kingpin status in Mt Kenya

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua garnered substantial support from UDA leaders in the Mount Kenya region during a fundraising event held at Kinyona in Kigumo constituency two week ago .

The event, aimed at raising funds for Bishop Gatimu Kinyona Girls’ Secondary School and organized by Sabina Chege , witnessed a rare unity with over 100 MPs from both Kenya Kwanza and Jubilee party in attendance.

The collective presence of leaders highlighted the crucial need for unity within the Mt Kenya region, emphasizing its significance for future prosperity.

The highlight of the event was the unanimous declaration by attending leaders, proclaiming Gachagua as the undisputed Mount Kenya kingpin.

The show of support signaled the end to succession politics that arose following a dispute with Murang’a leaders, who had earlier endorsed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in 2027.

Addressing the gathering, Gachagua strategically emphasized the necessity of preventing divisions based on county politics within the Mount Kenya region.

Stressing the historical voting bloc since 2002, he outlined his responsibility to streamline both the president’s and his own political base, urging caution among leaders in pursuing their political ambitions to avoid conflicts.

“We do not want a person who divides us along county lines. Mt Kenya region has voted as a bloc since 2002. I will not allow any leader to divide us on the basis of Counties. We must unite and speak with one voice for the sake of development,” Gachagua asserted.

Gachagua pledged to mentor youthful politicians for future leadership, ensuring a smooth transition. Scores of MPs affirmed their support, with Kiharu MP pledging unconditional support for Gachagua’s efforts in uniting the Mount Kenya region.

Kiharu MP, present during the event, reaffirmed his support for Gachagua, addressing him as his ‘boss and friend,’ vowing to support Gachagua unconditionally in his efforts to unite the Mount Kenya region and promote growth.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome emphasized the importance of unity in the Mt Kenya region and discouraged local leaders from engaging in divisive politics.

Political analyst Albert Kasembeli praised the UDA leaders’ unified stance, endorsing Gachagua to avoid counterproductive debates. Kasembeli speculated potential divisions in the Mount Kenya region and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Gatanga MP Edward retracted his endorsement of Nyoro and endorsed Gachagua as the regional leader, while Muriu expressed confidence in Gachagua’s capacity to deputize Ruto.

Surprisingly, Gachagua recently extended an olive branch , welcoming Mt Kenya leaders, including Kenyatta, who are in the Opposition, to support and work with the Kenya Kwanza administration for the sake of regional unity.

During a funeral service in Tetu, Nyeri county, Gachagua expressed his readiness to meet and reconcile with Kenyatta, acknowledging their past differences but emphasizing the need to move beyond the 2022 General Election rivalry.

Despite their disagreements, Gachagua praised Kenyatta’s dignified silence in retirement, commending it as a mark of true leadership.

Reflecting on their 18-year association, Gachagua highlighted their close relationship, with 17 years of friendship outweighing the two years of disagreements. He emphasized his respect for Kenyatta and instructed regional leaders not to verbally attack him.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his address during the funeral, steered clear of politics, eulogizing the departed former senior policeman King’ori Mwangi instead.

Political observers suggest that Gachagua’s body language and gestures toward reconciliation with Kenyatta hint at a potential collaboration between the two leaders, emphasizing that the chances of them working together cannot be ruled out.

He revealed his disappointment at missing the opportunity to greet Kenyatta in person due to a delay in the event’s schedule.

“I was looking forward to meeting my friend, former boss, and my elder brother, President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Gachagua said. “I wanted to come and greet him because I have not seen him for a while and tell him it is well.”

Despite acknowledging past disagreements, Gachagua emphasized that the elections were over, a new government was in place, and Kenyatta remained their leader. He commended Kenyatta for maintaining a dignified silence and enjoying his retirement peacefully, praising it as a mark of true leadership.