TWV Political Editor
Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua’s hold on the Mount Kenya region support is facing fresh turbulence following a series of political manoeuvres led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi, and former Meru Governor Peter Munya.
The opposition, once thought to be a united front, is now showing signs of fragmentation as parties opt to run independently in upcoming by-elections across the country. Analysts warn that if the various factions cannot coalesce around a single strategy, the dream of fronting a joint presidential candidate against William Ruto in 2027 could collapse before it begins.
Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties are fast emerging as the core of this unfolding political drama. Gachagua’s DCP faces stiff competition from resurgent regional parties, with Munya’s Party of National Unity (PNU) positioning itself as the authentic voice of Mount Kenya East.
Last week, Munya played host to Matiangi during a well-attended rally in Meru, where the blue colours of PNU dominated the event. This was a significant show of force, considering that Gachagua’s allies were conspicuously absent, raising questions about whether they had been sidelined or deliberately kept away.
Behind the scenes, Uhuru Kenyatta is increasingly seen as the architect of a 2027 political strategy that could pit Matiangi against President Ruto. Having openly expressed support for Matiangi’s presidential ambitions, Uhuru is said to be keen on pairing him with a strong running mate from the mountain region. Munya’s political profile, bolstered by his record as governor and cabinet secretary, places him at the top of the list.
Analysts note that Ruto himself once attempted to co-opt Munya into his government, but the former governor declined, signaling his intention to preserve independence and maintain leverage. This refusal is now paying dividends, with speculation mounting that he could be Matiangi’s running mate.
The friction between Gachagua and the emerging Matiangi–Munya–Uhuru axis is not a new development. On a previous occasion, Gachagua blocked Matiangi from holding a rally in Meru, insisting that no presidential aspirant should enter Mount Kenya without his clearance. This time, however, Munya took advantage of Gachagua’s absence abroad to host Matiangi, effectively reclaiming political space.
The move has unsettled Gachagua’s camp, with insiders admitting that his grip on the mountain may not be as firm as projected. Two camps are already visible: one loyal to Gachagua and the other aligned with Uhuru. Although the Gachagua faction currently appears stronger, the return of seasoned political actors such as Munya and possibly Kiraitu Murungi, under Uhuru’s wing, could tilt the balance.
For Gachagua, the stakes could not be higher. His political survival hinges on consolidating the mountain behind President Ruto ahead of 2027. Yet, with Uhuru quietly reactivating his networks and with Matiangi determined to press on regardless of Gachagua’s approval, the Deputy President may soon find himself fighting for relevance in a region he once claimed as his political fortress.
The unanswered question is whether the opposition can overcome its divisions and present a united front, or whether these rivalries will gift President Ruto an easy path to re-election.
