NAIROBI, Kenya — A year after his dramatic impeachment, Rigathi Gachagua has reinvented himself into one of Kenya’s most formidable political forces, transforming what once looked like political ruin into a powerful comeback story that has reshaped the country’s post-Raila political landscape.
Once dismissed as a casualty of political betrayal and State power struggles, Gachagua now commands a rapidly growing movement in Mt Kenya, backed by a new political party whose popularity is surging across the central highlands.
Political observers say he has capitalized on both sympathy and betrayal narratives to rebuild his image as the “people’s victim turned champion.”
At the time of his impeachment, Gachagua had no formal political base beyond his deputy presidency title. Today, he stands as a fully-fledged party leader, attracting a loyal following among grassroots supporters who feel alienated by what they describe as broken promises from the ruling administration.
His rallies in Nyeri, Murang’a, and Kiambu have drawn massive crowds reminiscent of pre-election campaign days.
“The impeachment did not destroy him — it created him,” political analyst Prof. Herman Manyora told The Standard. “He turned adversity into legitimacy and found strength in public sympathy.”
Gachagua’s growing political strength is also being bolstered by strategic partnerships. He has reportedly been working behind the scenes with Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i, signalling the emergence of a potential centrist opposition bloc that could redefine the 2027 succession politics.
Insiders suggest the trio shares a common goal — to consolidate regions long marginalised in national decision-making and present a credible counterweight to established political dynasties.
Within Mt Kenya, Gachagua’s message of betrayal and economic justice has struck a chord. He continues to brand himself as the man who “stood up to the system,” tapping into widespread discontent over rising taxes, cost of living, and the region’s perceived political neglect.
His rise also carries implications for national politics. With Raila Odinga’s passing leaving a vacuum in opposition leadership, Gachagua has quietly stepped into the space, positioning himself as a potential kingmaker — or even a presidential contender — in the next electoral cycle.
“He has learned the hard way how to survive in Kenya’s political jungle,” said a Mount Kenya MP allied to his camp. “Today, he controls both narrative and numbers — a dangerous combination for anyone who underestimates him.”
As Gachagua marks one year since his ouster, the man once described as politically finished appears to have done the unthinkable: turned impeachment into ignition. Whether his resurgence lasts beyond the mourning and transition phase of Kenya’s politics remains to be seen — but one thing is clear — Rigathi Gachagua is no longer fighting for survival; he is fighting for dominance.
