December 19, 2024

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Mount Kenya in Political Flux as Gachagua Seeks to Reclaim Power

DP Gachagua Urges UDA Politicians to Halt Succession Politics

DP Gachagua Urges UDA Politicians to Halt Succession Politics

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Kenya is set for a high-stakes political rivalry between President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, as the country gears up for the 2027 elections. Tensions are running high, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua seeks to reassert his influence and challenge Ruto’s dominance.

Gachagua, who was impeached in a dramatic October vote, has made it clear that he intends to mount a strong political comeback. He is leveraging growing anti-Kenya Kwanza sentiment in the region, especially after his fallout with Ruto, to rally support.

The former deputy president is now seeking to unite with other influential political figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ODM leader Raila Odinga, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, in a bid to form a formidable opposition alliance.

During a recent rally, Gachagua declared, “Mt Kenya will never go to anyone cheaply. Come rain, come sunshine; our votes will never make us slaves again,” signaling his commitment to challenging Ruto’s leadership in the region.

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In response, President Ruto is reportedly working to counter Gachagua’s influence by courting allies of the Kenyatta family, including relatives of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

There are speculations that Ruto may bring figures like Uhuru’s younger brother Muhoho, former Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, and ex-Interior PS Karanja Kibicho into his government to strengthen his position in Mount Kenya.

Ruto’s allies have criticized Gachagua’s combative rhetoric, accusing him of being an activist without offering practical solutions to the government’s policies.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri dismissed Gachagua’s approach, saying, “If you behave as an activist and you know that the government works with a plan, you are misleading Kenyans.”

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Despite these criticisms, Gachagua’s narrative has found traction with many voters in Mount Kenya who feel sidelined by the current administration. He has accused Ruto of running a “one-man show,” where cabinet members are sidelined and lack real power.

“All government projects are planned by the President and his team of economic advisers. The President is never questioned,” Gachagua recently remarked.

Gachagua has also raised concerns over the government’s recent actions, including a controversial Cabinet reshuffle and the implementation of health initiatives like the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Social Health Authority, which he described as “poorly conceived” and “chaotic.”

In a more serious allegation, Gachagua claimed that Ruto had attempted to bribe him with large sums of money to resign quietly, further alleging that his impeachment was orchestrated through monetary incentives offered to MPs. He warned that those responsible for his ouster should not expect support from Mount Kenya voters in the future. “The MPs who were paid to impeach me should never set foot in Mount Kenya,” Gachagua asserted.

The political drama has also led Gachagua to express concerns for his personal safety, revealing that he has hired ex-servicemen for protection due to alleged attempts to disrupt his public appearances. This underscores the increasingly hostile political environment as the rivalry between the two leaders intensifies.

Gachagua’s strategy seems focused on uniting various disillusioned political factions to challenge Ruto in 2027. By aligning with leaders like Kalonzo and Raila, he believes he can create a strong coalition to confront Ruto’s dominance in the coming elections.

However, Gachagua faces numerous obstacles. Despite the mounting criticisms, Ruto’s administration continues to garner support from a large segment of the electorate, and his allies remain confident in his ability to navigate the country’s challenges and fulfill his promises.

Political analysts are closely monitoring the shifting dynamics between the two leaders. While Gachagua’s vocal opposition could energize some factions within Mount Kenya, the potential support from the Kenyatta family could significantly bolster Ruto’s standing, further isolating Gachagua.