Decoding DP Rigathi Gachagua’s Political Approach 1 Year On
Dr. William Ruto’s surprising selection of Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua as his running companion in the 2022 presidential campaign propelled a previously relatively unknown politician onto the national stage.
According to reports at the time, the decision ran counter to the desires and expectations of many, including Dr. Ruto’s closest allies.
Gachagua automatically became the second most potent individual in the country upon Ruto’s victory. He had only served one term in the House of Representatives.
One year after taking the oath, opinions on his performance as the second-in-command are divided, with many political analysts agreeing that he has formed a conscious or unconscious pattern of creating unnecessary allies and enemies.
Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua’s entry into national politics was marked by his stuttering as he was invested as the second Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya under the Constitution of 2010 and by his first speech shortly thereafter.
In his first Executive Order of 2023, President Ruto organized his government by directing his deputy to lead the process of streamlining the agricultural sector and serve as a liaison between the national and county governments, among other constitutionally mandated responsibilities.
ALSO READ: Tracking President Ruto’s Promises One Year In Office
Gachagua also assumed leadership of the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse in the Mt. Kenya region and throughout the country, with his wife Wanjiku Rigathi vehemently advocating for the same cause. However, opinions are divided regarding the efficacy and longevity of the campaign.
To consolidate the agricultural sector, Gachagua concentrated his efforts on coffee, tea, and milk, where, according to him, cartels had long set up camp.
He pledged to implement genuine reforms to liberate farmers in a record-setting three months. To the dismay of farmers, the Deputy President has now stated that it will take an additional year and a half for farmers to reap the benefits of the coffee sector’s reforms.
As the link between county and national administrations, Gachagua has assumed the role of chief reconciliation, particularly in UDA-dominated counties embroiled in conflict.
The squabbles in Kericho, Kiambu, and Meru exemplify all too well the difficulty of the undertaking, despite the apparent sincerity of his efforts.
It is Gachagua’s statements that have rapidly brought attention to his political style and philosophy. Despite his self-description as a man of integrity, he has repeatedly been questioned about his political cognizance and the nuances of holding a high national office.
On numerous occasions, the Vice President has alienated opponents and segments of the public.
ALSO READ: Drop 2022 Presidential Election Audit from Bipartisan Talks, Gachagua Urges
Selasio Thuranira, a political analyst, asserts that the vice president has been fighting for legitimacy in national and regional politics.
His supporters insist he is the victim of those who continue to deny the fact that a former member of Congress upended the status quo.
“Wale watu ambao anafaa kuogopa zaidi, mmoja ni Ndindi Nyoro. Hata ukiangalia vile rais Ruto anamzungusha ni kama anamtaryarisha kuwa kitu 2027. Wa pili, ni profesa Kithure Kindiki. Yale mashindano yao ya 2022, hayakumalizika, yalisitishwa tu kwa muda,” says Thuranira.
The National Dialogue Committee, commanded by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, could be Gachagua’s first political litmus test. He has criticized the national dialogue and the record committee.
Opponents claim that the formation of the office of opposition leader and the consolidation of Prime Cabinet Secretary positions will cause the vice president headaches.
Former Murang’a governor and Azimio coalition oppositionist Mwangi Iria argues that the DP is concerned that these developments will undermine his relevance.
One of the greatest obstacles facing Gachagua is the unification of the GEMA political bloc, and ultimately becoming the dominant leader in a region that has always had figureheads but lacks a clear kingpin following the rejection of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had ostensibly succeeded former President Mwai Kibaki.
Due to his current status as the highest-ranking politician, he is currently one step ahead in this endeavor.
Analysts assert, however, that his approach to politics is likely to further polarize an already polarized GEMA nation that traditionally wields substantial political influence due to its sheer population size.
Decoding DP Rigathi Gachagua’s Political Approach 1 Year On
