KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to publicly expose what he describes as a growing network of “traitors” within the Mount Kenya political establishment, accusing them of colluding with President William Ruto to divide the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a Sunday service at the Ambassadors of Christ Church in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua claimed there was a coordinated plan by the Kenya Kwanza government to weaken the mountain’s political unity by encouraging the formation of smaller regional parties.
He alleged that such a strategy was designed to scatter votes and erode the region’s bargaining power in national politics.
“Let us agree on what I will do. Wherever I go in Mount Kenya, I will be calling out the traitors by name so that people know them. Whether you are a man or a woman, we will tell our people who the traitors are so that the President doesn’t finish this community,” Gachagua declared to a cheering congregation.
The former DP specifically singled out Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, accusing her of plotting to form a new political outfit ahead of the 2027 elections.
Waiguru, who is serving her second and final term as governor, is widely speculated to be eyeing a senatorial bid — though she has yet to make her intentions public.
“I know Waiguru has been told to form a party. That is a wheelbarrow,” Gachagua said in a thinly veiled jab. “If you see that party, know it is a wheelbarrow.”
Gachagua further warned that women leaders in the region who allegedly align with the President’s camp would not be spared his criticism.
“Our women leaders, those of you betraying our community, we will deal with you as traitors. There is no distinction between men and women — a traitor is a traitor,” he asserted.
The former DP also took issue with what he termed as “complicity and silence” by Mount Kenya leaders on the government’s decision to allow rice imports, which he said had hurt farmers in Mwea — Kenya’s main rice-growing hub.
He argued that the leaders had the power to oppose the policy but had chosen loyalty over the interests of their constituents.
Also in attendance was Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and a key opposition figure. She dismissed claims of division within the opposition, maintaining that the Azimio coalition was united and would soon unveil its preferred presidential candidate to face off with President Ruto in 2027.
“There’s no disunity in the opposition. We have one agenda, and we will soon announce our candidate,” Karua said.
Gachagua’s fiery remarks came just a day after he accused President Ruto of political double standards following a meeting between the Head of State and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi.
The former DP expressed frustration that his own efforts to mobilise Mount Kenya voters are often branded “tribal”, while similar moves by Ruto’s allies are tolerated.
“When I mobilise the mountain, I’m called a tribalist. But when others do it elsewhere, it’s called national unity. That’s the hypocrisy we are facing,” he lamented.
The widening rift between Ruto and his former deputy underscores growing tension within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, as both men vie for influence over Mount Kenya — a region that remains central to Kenya’s political arithmetic.
As 2027 approaches, Gachagua’s decision to “name and shame” could inflame political rivalries, setting the stage for a bruising battle over the mountain’s loyalty and leadership.
Whether his crusade consolidates regional unity or deepens division remains to be seen.
