Gachagua's Mt Kenya Unity Plan Faces Challenges

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's attempts to consolidate the Mt Kenya region under his Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party are encountering new challenges. Other politicians are seeking positions in the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially disrupting Gachagua's plans. The re-emergence of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya, as well as Martha Karua's return to opposition politics, threaten to complicate Gachagua's efforts.

Analysts say the major issue is not whether Gachagua will participate in the elections despite his legal challenges, but who will represent the Mt Kenya region in the opposition's presidential ticket and the region's potential role in the next government. Mchambuzi Geoffrey Mboya notes that Gachagua faces a test in maintaining his influence without allowing his political opponents to take the lead in the region.

One of Gachagua's challenges is the uncertainty surrounding his presidential ambitions. The Supreme Court rejected his appeal to overturn the Senate's decision to remove him from office, forcing him to pursue an appeal. Lawyer Chris Omore says this uncertainty complicates Gachagua's efforts to establish himself as a presidential candidate from the Mt Kenya region.

Gachagua now faces a difficult decision: to lead the opposition ticket, support a candidate from another region, or negotiate for another Mt Kenya politician to secure a top government position. Meanwhile, Nyoro has launched the People's Party of Kenya and formed an alliance with Karua and Jubilee's presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i to strengthen the opposition.

Matiang'i has opposed politics based on ethnic divisions, saying the presidential candidate should be chosen by voters rather than leaders allocating positions based on their communities. Karua brings significant political weight, having been Raila Odinga's running mate in the 2022 elections.

The presence of Karua and other politicians means that Mt Kenya politics cannot be reduced to a competition between Gachagua and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Kindiki, who is part of President William Ruto's government, is using his position to advocate for the region within Kenya Kwanza.

Muturi and Munya have resisted pressure from small Mt Kenya parties to dissolve and join DCP, emphasizing that cooperation does not require surrendering their parties. Gachagua has met with former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, sparking speculation about his efforts to expand his influence in the Ukambani region.

Key points

• Gachagua's legal challenges and the emergence of other Mt Kenya politicians threaten to undermine his efforts to unite the region under his party.