NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has drawn large crowds during a political tour of Meru County, signaling a growing shift within the Mt. Kenya political landscape and intensifying his challenge to President William Ruto’s influence in the vote-rich region.
The fiery politician, who was impeached following a dramatic fallout with President Ruto, is now positioning himself as the face of a regional political awakening.
Gachagua, who led the tour under his new Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), was accompanied by party officials.
Gachagua’s message was sharp. He claimed that the Mt Kenya region, which overwhelmingly backed Ruto in the 2022 presidential election, has been sidelined in government, and the time for political “liberation” has arrived.
“There can be no better time to get our nation on a liberation cause. We remain vigilant on the progress we make each day in the journey ahead,” he told a cheering crowd in Nkubu town.
This is Kiengu Market, Igembe Central Constituency in Meru.I have heard your deep cries on the pain inflicted on you by the current regime.We have agreed on Liberation!I am glad!
Gachagua’s Political Resurgence
The former Deputy President has maintained that his removal from office was politically motivated, accusing President Ruto of betrayal.
Gachagua had served as Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 general election under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and together they secured a large share of votes from the Mt Kenya region.
However, cracks began to emerge barely a year into the administration, culminating in a political divorce.
Gachagua was later replaced by then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who now serves as Ruto’s appointed Deputy President in an arrangement that has stirred debate about constitutional legitimacy.
In his Meru speeches, Gachagua criticized both Ruto and Kindiki, accusing them of using state machinery and public resources to silence dissent in Mt Kenya.
He dismissed government-sponsored empowerment programs in the region, which have included cash donations, food aid, and other incentives, as “bribes disguised as development.”
“You cannot buy the dignity of a people with handouts,” he said.
Mutuati is not an ordinary political pivot; it defines a cause!So energetic and powerful.It was glad to engage this afternoon.Mungu ibariki Igembe North!
Meru Tour Met With Resistance
Gachagua’s tour was not without tension. Local reports and video footage show that unidentified individuals attempted to disrupt the rallies in parts of Meru, particularly in South Imenti.
However, police did not confirm any arrests linked to the incidents.
Despite these efforts, the rallies continued uninterrupted, with crowds turning up in large numbers in Nkubu, Mitunguu, and other towns.
Gachagua appeared energized by the public support, reinforcing speculation that he is gearing up for a high-stakes political comeback ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political analysts note that Gachagua’s decision to tour the region without high-profile allies like Martha Karua or Kalonzo Musyoka was deliberate.
“He’s sending a message that he can stand on his own in the region,” said Meschak Waikwa, a political analyst based in Nairobi.
“It’s also a test of his grassroots appeal, and clearly, the response was significant.”
“I think we overrated Ruto, he is not as sharp and smart as we thought, leaving 5 million votes for 1 million votes is not political wisdom,” Gachagua
Kindiki and Statehouse Allies Push Back
Kindiki, who hails from neighbouring Tharaka Nithi County, has also been traversing Mt Kenya in what appears to be a counter-mobilisation effort.
Speaking via social media, Kindiki indirectly responded to Gachagua’s accusations, dismissing him as a political populist.
“Kenya deserves a superior conversation on who has the most realistic ideas for taking our nation forward,” Kindiki said.
“Those whose only message is chants about who will be in office for how long… will be swept away by an increasingly smarter, enlightened, and no-nonsense public.”
President Ruto has not directly addressed Gachagua’s resurgence, but government insiders have suggested the administration is not taking the rebellion lightly.
Millions have been allocated to Mt Kenya through state-led initiatives in recent months, an indication that the region remains politically strategic.
Kenya deserves a superior conversation on who has the most realistic ideas for taking our nation forward.Those whose only message is the chants about who will be in office for how long, or who speaks with what kind of voice, will be swept away by the torrential downpour of an
A Region in Flux
Mt Kenya’s political future appears to be in flux. While Ruto still enjoys institutional support, the Gachagua-led grassroots push may complicate the unity that once gave UDA its Mt Kenya stronghold.
With economic pressures mounting and perceptions of exclusion growing among voters, the region could once again become a key battleground in 2027.
For now, Gachagua’s message of betrayal and redemption appears to be gaining traction—and the political contest in Mt Kenya is far from settled.
