New Alliances in Central Province: Gachagua’s Plan to Consolidate Power

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, increasingly sidelined in recent years, is determined to bolster his political standing in Central Province.

After several false starts, he has now set his sights on a new target: supporters of Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi as well as those of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, a key rival in the complex landscape of Kenyan politics.

Gachagua’s recent maneuvers indicate a strategic pivot aimed at consolidating his influence within a region that has been politically fragmented.

His outreach to Uhuru’s supporters is a calculated move to create a broader coalition, capable of challenging existing power structures and ensuring his relevance in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

For years, Gachagua has been a prominent figure in Central Province, yet his influence has waned as internal party dynamics and external pressures have shifted the political terrain.

His earlier attempts to solidify his base were met with limited success, as factionalism and rivalries within the Kenya Kwanza coalition impeded his efforts.

The growing alliance between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga further complicated his position, necessitating a new approach.

By courting Mudavadi and Uhuru’s  supporters, Gachagua is tapping into a crucial demographic that feels somewhat disenfranchised under the current administration.

Mudavadi, while holding significant sway as Prime Cabinet secretary , has not fully integrated his base into the broader Kenya Kwanza framework.

This gap presents an opportunity for Gachagua to exploit, offering Mudavadi’s supporters a new political home and a more direct path to influence.

This strategy is not without risks. Aligning with Mudavadi’s base could alienate some of Gachagua’s traditional supporters who view Mudavadi as a rival.

Moreover, it remains to be seen whether Mudavadi’s supporters will be willing to shift their allegiance to Gachagua, given the deep-seated loyalties and regional complexities at play.

However, Gachagua’s approach is rooted in a pragmatic understanding of the current political landscape.

Central Province remains a vital electoral battleground, and securing a significant portion of its votes is essential for any serious contender in national politics.

By presenting himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging divides, Gachagua aims to reassert his leadership and reposition himself as a key player in the coalition.

Gachagua’s outreach efforts have included a series of high-profile meetings and public engagements designed to signal his commitment to unity and development in Central Province.

He has emphasized issues such as economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and security—key concerns for the region’s residents. By addressing these issues, Gachagua hopes to build a coalition based on shared interests and mutual benefits.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Gachagua’s success in this endeavor will depend on his ability to navigate the intricate web of allegiances and rivalries that characterize Kenyan politics.

His willingness to adapt and his focus on building bridges rather than burning them could prove to be a winning formula.