Ruto vs. Gachagua: Allies Face Off in High-Stakes Mt Kenya Political Struggle

The political landscape in the Mt. Kenya region has become increasingly contentious as allies of both President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua face off in a covert struggle for dominance.

As tensions escalate, the Mount Kenya region finds itself at a crossroads, with the potential for significant ramifications on the political landscape.

Deputy President Gachagua has raised allegations against close allies of President Ruto, accusing them of undermining his authority and sowing seeds of division within the region.

This friction has sparked concerns about the potential fragmentation of Mount Kenya’s political unity.

During a recent church service in Kieni, Gachagua warned that the Mt. Kenya region risks future regret if it fails to unite. He emphasized the importance of cohesion, stressing that internal divisions could weaken their collective political influence.

Political analysts observe a discreet power struggle unfolding between Ruto and Gachagua, with each vying to solidify their control and influence.

While Ruto seeks to maintain the loyalty of MPs who supported his campaign, Gachagua is simultaneously working to build his own political base ahead of the 2027 general election.

Albert Kasembeli, a political analyst, predicts that the clash between Ruto and Gachagua will significantly shape the future of Kenyan politics leading up to the 2027 elections.

He highlights the diverging methods and end goals of both leaders, suggesting potential implications for the political landscape.

“The friction between Ruto and Gachagua is indicative of deeper strategic maneuvers, both leaders are trying to solidify their control, but their methods and end goals appear to be diverging, which could have significant implications for the 2027 elections.” Kasembeli said.

He noted that the friction between Ruto and Gachagua is a classic power struggle noting that Gachagua’s strategy to court Ruto’s allies is a bold move that could either consolidate his power or deepen the rift within the UDA party.

Gachagua’s bold strategy to court Ruto’s allies has reportedly swayed some former supporters, unsettling President Ruto’s camp within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

However, Ruto still retains the backing of key leaders in the Mount Kenya region, including prominent figures like Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as well as interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki.

These figures have been mentioned as potential successors to Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate.

On the other hand, Gachagua has managed to court several leaders such as Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Veronica Maina (Nominated Senator), Njeri Maina (Women Rep Kirinyaga), Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), and Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga Senator).

These leaders have become his constant defenders against Ruto’s allies, accompanying him at numerous events across the country.

However, rifts within the region have intensified, with accusations flying between opposing camps.

The situation escalated when accusations surfaced, with former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri alleging that Ruto’s allies, including CS Kipchumba Murkomen and MP Oscar Sudi, were orchestrating a smear campaign against Gachagua.

“They are in the forefront in the incitement campaign and the fight against the Deputy President. They have sufficient funds to carry out their plan, they are the ones leading the meetings together with the youthful leaders from Mt. Kenya region,” Ngunjiri claimed.

Additionally, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya accused MPs Ndindi Nyoro, Mwangi Kiunjuri, and former State House New Media Director Dennis Itumbi of being used to discredit the Deputy President.

Gakuya during a church service in Nyeri asserted that these leaders aim to present Nyoro as a more suitable successor to Gachagua for the 2027 election.

In reiteration from president Ruto’s camp several other leaders, including Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei and MPs Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache) and Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), have accused Gachagua of promoting divisive politics.

Sotik MP Francis Sigei criticized the practice of restricting leaders to their electoral zones as outdated and detrimental.This was in reference to Gachagua’s recent call for leaders to stop political tourism in other constituencies and stick to their zones.

Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is retrogressive for a leader to tell leaders not to go to other areas other than where they are elected. I need visitors to come to my area and help me with my developmental agenda.”

President Ruto’s silence on the matter has added to the confusion with political analysts arguing that it may be interpreted as tacit approval of his allies’ actions; while it also leaves room for speculation and uncertainty.

They argue that this ambiguity only adds to the confusion surrounding the situation.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, in an interview with Inooro TV, denied collaborating with those tarnishing Gachagua’s image, instead accusing Gachagua of engaging in political activism rather than substantive governance.

Kiunjuri argued that Gachagua should use his influence to push for policy changes through appropriate channels.

“We have the Deputy President from our region, the Majority Leader, the Chief Justice, the CS for Treasury, the CS for Water, the CS for Lands, and many others from this region. Before we castigate the government for allegedly short-changing the region, why can’t we first call a meeting of all these leaders and ask them these pertinent questions?” Kiunjuri said.

Kiunjuri highlighted that the Mt. Kenya region has a golden opportunity to request projects, given the number of powerful individuals in government from this area.

Political analyst and JKUAT lecturer Charles Mwangi Ng’ang’a remains neutral on the matter noting the relationship  between Ruto and Gachagua seem to be okay despite what has been constantly been speculated by the media.

“The dynamics at play reflect the typical jostling for power and influence seen in many political environments. Both Ruto and Gachagua are navigating complex relationships and competing interests, and their actions will continue to shape the political landscape in Mt. Kenya and beyond.”

Maragua MP- Mary Wamaua recently told the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to soldier on and not be distracted from uniting the people of Mount Kenya region.

“Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, do not be distracted by busy bodies. Focus. Those who are talking a lot today were not there when you and us were campaigning for this government. They were busy with other parties while others came in the evening,”she said.

Nominated senator Veronica Maina echoed Wamaua sentiments urging Gachagua to continue with the same spirit of working hard and work for the people noting that he (Gachagua) will be vindicated with time.

“I signed your certificate with President William Ruto. I can ascertain that you are the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and no one can take that from you,” she said.

Kirinyaga senator Kamau Murango said that the Mountain has been set against itself noting that instead of focusing on development Mount Kenya leaders are fighting for their interest.

“This is a set. The mountain has been set against themselves. Instead of focusing on development, we are here fighting ourselves and having a fat dream of thinking we can inherit a seat that is not vacant,”he said.