Gachagua’s impeachment came after he and Ruto clashed over the former deputy’s controversial stance on prioritizing development for his Mount Kenya region and other areas that supported the Kenya Kwanza Alliance in the last elections. Known for his “shareholding mantra,” Gachagua advocated that regions aligning politically with Kenya Kwanza should receive more opportunities, a position that proved divisive within the administration. In contrast, Ruto emphasized that his government would deliver to all Kenyans equally, regardless of their voting preferences in the last election
President William Ruto has announced a renewed commitment to delivering on the promises he made to Kenyans during his 2022 campaign, declaring an end to the recent chapter of political disputes within his administration. Speaking to congregants at the Ekambuli Church of God in Kwishero, Kakamega County, after attending a service, Ruto assured Kenyans that his government would focus exclusively on the development agenda over the next two years, following last month’s high-profile impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“We are now finished with political fights. From next year until 2026, we will be fully committed to implementing our development agenda and fulfilling our promises to Kenya,” Ruto declared, signaling a turning point for his administration after months of internal conflicts.
Gachagua’s impeachment came after he and Ruto clashed over the former deputy’s controversial stance on prioritizing development for his Mount Kenya region and other areas that supported the Kenya Kwanza Alliance in the last elections. Known for his “shareholding mantra,” Gachagua advocated that regions aligning politically with Kenya Kwanza should receive more opportunities, a position that proved divisive within the administration. In contrast, Ruto emphasized that his government would deliver to all Kenyans equally, regardless of their voting preferences in the last election.
On Sunday, Mr. Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcas, attended a church service at Faithful of Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West, along with several political allies, including Embakasi North MP John Gakuya, Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk Gathiru, and former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru.
The discussions at the service delved into Gachagua’s ouster, with Waruguru expressing her support for Gachagua while drawing historical parallels to other leaders, such as Mzee Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, who faced their own political trials. Waruguru also hinted at the dynamics within Mt Kenya following the appointment of former Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President. Some analysts see the move as a strategic shift by Ruto to balance representation between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, which could recalibrate power dynamics within the region.
President Ruto celebrated recent alliances with ODM leaders, adding that the country was now unified under a broad-based coalition aimed at realizing the national agenda. However, uncertainty looms among Gachagua’s remaining allies, particularly those chairing influential parliamentary committees. Some fear they may face removal from office similar to what befell Ruto’s supporters under the previous administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta, following his alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga. Concerns are also mounting that the ongoing shake-up could impact principal secretaries who received their roles through Gachagua’s advocacy for regional representation.
Sources close to Gachagua suggest that these pressures have influenced his recent “tactical retreat” from political rallies as he monitors developments in his court cases and contemplates his future in politics.
Since his ouster, Gachagua has kept a lower profile, restricting his activities to religious gatherings and other formal events. In a recent appearance at the memorial service of Mwalimu Geoffrey Murugami in Limuru, Gachagua called for peace, urging the Mt Kenya region to foster harmonious relationships with other communities. He encouraged his supporters to remain calm regardless of the court’s final verdict on his cases, aiming to prevent further divisions and protect his supporters from potential fallout.
The former deputy’s calculated withdrawal from confrontations with Ruto signals an awareness of the risks he faces, including possible legal consequences if the government intensifies its scrutiny of his alleged corruption, a factor that contributed to his impeachment. For now, Gachagua appears focused on preserving his political base and advocating for peace while navigating an uncertain future outside the corridors of power.
