Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces High-Stakes Interview with Mt Kenya Region: 10 Fears Staring Back Amid Political Turmoil
Currently, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is navigating a challenging political landscape that may lead to his impeachment unless he manages the situation effectively. On Sunday, August 4, he will be interviewed live on all local vernacular media stations in the Mt Kenya region.
This interview occurs amidst significant turmoil in his office over the past two years, leaving him in a precarious position. According to university professor Macharia Munene, Mr. Gachagua’s path to the 2027 reelection is fraught with difficulties and must be approached with utmost caution.
Prof. Munene states, “The situation has become more complex since Mr. Gachagua was sparring with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Now, with opposition leader Raila Odinga integrated into the government, controlling six key departments and pushing for more influence, the stakes are higher.”
Mr. Odinga’s allies now hold significant positions, including the National Treasury, Mining, Cooperatives, Energy, East Africa Affairs, and the Attorney General’s office. As Mr. Gachagua addresses the Mt Kenya region, which includes the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities, ten crucial issues have surfaced, drawing widespread attention.
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Nyeri governor Mr. Mutahi Kahiga, a close associate of the DP, expressed the region’s concerns: “Our people want to know our standing in this government we helped establish with 87% of our votes. We need clarity on our position now that the person we sent to the opposition is part of the government.”
Mr. Kahiga emphasized the need to avoid political infighting and focus on service delivery, anticipating a time when Mr. Odinga will compete in the 2027 elections. He expects Mr. Gachagua to address the region’s concerns about Mr. Odinga’s government role, which has impacted President Ruto’s approval ratings in the area.
Nominated MP Ms. Sabina Chege urged the Deputy President to unify the region around development rather than personality politics. “We need to promote unity within the government and focus on progress,” she said during an interview in Gatanga constituency.
Gatanga MCA Mr. John Kibaiya highlighted the region’s concern about the resurgence of illicit brews. He insisted that the Deputy President must take a firm stance against this threat to their economy and health.
The Kikuyu Council of Elders, represented by Mr. Wachira Kiago, stressed the importance of wealth creation over political rhetoric. Mr. Kiago urged Mr. Gachagua to provide clear timelines for the promised agricultural reforms, as outlined in the economic charters signed with President Ruto during the election campaign.
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The region’s political stability is also a concern, especially given the apparent cooling of relations between the President and his Deputy. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya called for reaffirming the region’s stake in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) while preparing a contingency plan.
Mr. Gachagua faces additional challenges as the only major actor in the new government without a political party to leverage. Naivasha MP Jane Kihara emphasized the importance of including Mt Kenya representatives in the reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
President Ruto has promoted a government of national unity, leaving election relevance to the remaining contests in a General Election. Kiambu senator Mr. Karungo Thang’wa reiterated the region’s interest in implementing the “one man one shilling one vote” formula for resource sharing and electoral representation.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has opposed this formula, viewing it as divisive. Another key issue is Mr. Gachagua’s aspiration to become the region’s kingpin, which involves promoting unity and reconciliation within the community.
With uncertainty surrounding the region’s future in the UDA, Mr. Gachagua is expected to outline his 2027 strategy amid concerns about President Ruto’s potential alternative alliances. Additionally, there is growing alarm over the rise in lawlessness and mob justice in Mt Kenya.
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Long-serving administrator Mr. Joseph Kaguthi expressed concern about the erosion of trust in security agents, leading to incidents of mob justice. The region has witnessed mob violence, including lynching elderly women accused of witchcraft, as well as those suspected of crimes such as theft and sorcery.
The 10 Mt Kenya ‘fears’ DP Gachagua needs to address:
- Are the region’s interests secure in the Ruto government?
- How should the region approach Raila Odinga and his allies?
- Why are illicit brews resurfacing and security officers allowing bars to operate despite orders to stay away from the trade?
- What happened to the promised agricultural reforms in the economic charters?
- If Ruto withdraws his UDA party, whose elections have been suspended, where does that leave us?
- Boundary delimitation: Will the region get new constituencies?
- What direction for the One man, one shilling debate?
- How will you reconcile those opposing you with those supporting you?
- What is the plan for 2027?
- Why is Mt Kenya sinking into lawlessness of mob justice?
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces High-Stakes Interview with Mt Kenya Region: 10 Fears Staring Back Amid Political Turmoil
