NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has taken his political mobilisation drive to Embu County, urging residents to remain united as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s visit to Embu is part of his wider campaign to consolidate support across the Mount Kenya region, particularly in an area where political leaders have increasingly differed over who should speak for and lead the region.
The former Deputy President has consistently pushed the message that Mount Kenya must remain politically united and resist attempts to split the region into separate blocs.
Gachagua announced plans for a six-day tour of Meru and Embu in July, saying his mission was to strengthen unity in Mount Kenya East and counter what he described as attempts to divide the region.
His latest mobilisation comes against the backdrop of an increasingly public political contest with his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, over influence in Mount Kenya East.
Kindiki has also stepped up his activities in the region. On August 15, he attended a major elders’ meeting at Nembure Stadium in Embu, where elders from Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga and Isiolo endorsed him as President William Ruto’s running mate for the 2027 election and backed his longer-term presidential ambitions.
Gachagua has strongly opposed attempts to portray Mount Kenya as two separate political entities. He recently accused Kindiki of being used to divide the region following the Nembure elders’ meeting, questioning the political intentions behind the gathering.
The DCP leader has instead sought to position himself as a unifying figure for the region as he builds his party ahead of the 2027 contest.
The political contest has already attracted support from leaders outside the region. Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi recently said the Kamba community would maintain unity with Mount Kenya and opposed efforts to split the region politically.
At the same time, Gachagua’s push for a unified political vehicle has faced resistance from some regional party leaders.
The Party of National Unity, Democratic Party and Democratic Empowerment Party have rejected proposals to dissolve their parties and join DCP, arguing that political alliances should be built through negotiations and consensus.
Gachagua’s Embu tour therefore comes at a critical moment for Mount Kenya politics, with competing camps seeking to shape the region’s political direction ahead of 2027.
The former Deputy President is expected to use the rallies to popularise DCP, strengthen grassroots structures and rally residents around his message of regional unity as the political battle for Mount Kenya intensifies.
