Is Gachagua’s Overture to Kenyatta a Strategic Retreat or a Tactical Maneuver?

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appears to be softening his staunch political stance on certain issues he had vehemently opposed, signaling a cooling of relations with President William Ruto.

This change is evident in his willingness to engage with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he had criticized sharply during the 2022 election campaigns with the aim of uniting the Mount Kenya region.

Gachagua led the region in defying President Kenyatta during last year’s general election campaigns and continued to criticize him even after Kenya First took office.

During the Azimio la Umoja rallies earlier in 2023, Gachagua had strongly accused Kenyatta of funding the opposition and using the outlawed Mungiki sect to cause chaos.

In an interview with a radio station on Friday, October 6, 2023, the Deputy President seemed to change his previously hardline stance against Kenyatta, expressing his readiness to engage in dialogue.

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“The election is over. It is time to unite our people, including those who opposed us in the last general election because they are still our people. We have agreed that no leader will attack former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He is still one of us. Although we competed during the election, that time has passed,” he said.

His statement appears to be a significant political about-face from the harsh criticism he had directed at Kenyatta and his family, alleging harassment during his tenure as President.

Some events that were perceived as confrontational actions towards Kenyatta and his family included the invasion by thugs at the Northlands farm in Ruiru, Kiambu County (where more than 1,000 sheep were stolen), alleged police raids at Kenyatta’s son Jomo’s residence in Nairobi, and the police’s withdrawal of security guards from Kenyatta’s mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

In addition to these incidents, Gachagua had supported the internal strife within the Jubilee Party, which Kenyatta used to lead.

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On Sunday, October 8, 2023, analysts noted that Gachagua’s change of stance may be a response to emerging signs that the Mount Kenya region could be politically sidelined in the lead-up to the 2027 general election due to internal divisions.

They suggest that some of the factors causing Gachagua to reassess his position may be related to ongoing Reconciliation Talks at the Bomas of Kenya, the growing rapport between President Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, and Ruto’s move to elevate Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s influence.

“Fearing the outcome of reconciliation talks, which might affect his position and influence politically, Gachagua has found himself in a somewhat isolated state, prompting him to seek a ‘handshake’ with Kenyatta,” said Professor Macharia Munene, a political analyst.