Politically speaking, the DP has found himself isolated, and President Ruto has played his political cards so well that he has been reduced to a mere Mount Kenya spokesperson. Truth be told, Mr Gachagua lacks national appeal since he has been confined to the Mount Kenya region
By The Weekly Vision Team
It is an open secret now that President William Ruto’s key political advisers have hatched a plan to isolate Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when making key decisions. Last month, the DP was shocked, just like the rest of us, to see President Ruto meet opposition leader Raila in Uganda at an event hosted by the country’s long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni.
The unfolding political events in Kenya have taken many by surprise, including the DP. The current political atmosphere in the country has forced the president and Mr Odinga into some form of a ‘handshake’ with an understanding that the president’s 2027 re-election strategy shouldn’t count on the Mount Kenya region for support.
The president’s move has forced his DP to re-establish control over the Mount Kenya region before 2027. However, what has caught many political players unaware is the latest move by the DP to extend an apology to Mama Ngina Kenyatta, mother of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, due to a rift in 2022. The DP plans to counter the Ruto-Raila handshake by adopting a new strategy aimed at reconciling with the Kenyatta family. During a radio interview with Kameme FM, the DP expressed remorse over the disrespectful behaviour exhibited towards Mama Ngina during the heightened political activities during the last general election.
“The 2022 electioneering process deteriorated to a deplorable state. There was a regrettable lack of respect, with insults being hurled at Mama Ngina, and I’m very sorry for that. We humbly request her forgiveness,” Gachagua said. Observers now perceive Gachagua’s latest moves as a final bid to reconcile with Uhuru Kenyatta and the wider Kenyatta family; nonetheless, the big query remains: will the Kenyatta family respond? Sources say that the DP’s political influence within the mountain has also been threatened by the emergence of the Kamwene group led by NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, former Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, and former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, among others.
The group is commonly viewed as amorphous but enjoys the backing of Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua’s main concern revolves around the possibility of the Kamwana group fielding a presidential candidate in 2027, which would present an alternative leadership for those who feel disillusioned by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In an attempt to counter the increasing influence of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who is allegedly receiving support from the state, the DP is also striving to consolidate the region. Within Kenya Kwanza, in the Mount Kenya region, there are currently two prominent centres of power. The DP, a seasoned politician, leads one, while Mr. Nyoro leads the other.
Politically speaking, the DP has found himself isolated, and President Ruto has played his political cards so well that he has been reduced to a mere Mount Kenya spokesperson. Truth be told, Mr. Gachagua lacks national appeal since he has been confined to the Mount Kenya region.
Nevertheless, what could have motivated the DP to approach the Kenyatta family seeking reconciliation? It appears that he recognises the significant political sway that Uhuru Kenyatta still possesses in the region, and dismissing him would be a grave mistake. Analysts say that despite spirited efforts by the DP and Mount Kenya leaders in 2022 to campaign against Uhuru Kenyatta, most of them regret the move and have decided to reconcile with the larger Kenyatta family.
The ‘handshake’ between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto poses a threat of isolation for the Mount Kenya region; furthermore, it increases the probability of the president forming a formidable team that would secure his re-election without relying on the region.
