Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's 50-day tour of the United States has left a void in Mt Kenya's politics, with rival leaders seeking to expand their influence and shape the region's 2027 trajectory. Gachagua, who is expected to return around November 14, has been active among Kenyans in the diaspora, but his absence has intensified the contest for influence in Mt Kenya. This has tested the ability of his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to stand on its own and increase its strength without his crowd-pulling presence and famous mobilisation skills.
Political analysts say the answer to whether DCP can retain relevance and visibility without Gachagua's presence remains complicated. While the party continues to hold meetings and political engagements, its public mobilisation appears less intense as rival politicians move to shape the Mt Kenya political narrative. Political analyst and serving MCA Kung'u Smart noted that Gachagua has been central to establishing DCP as a significant political force in Mt Kenya, and his absence represents a setback for the party.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, leader of the People's Party of Kenya (PPK), has emerged as a prominent figure in the Mountain's shifting terrain. He broke from President William Ruto and left UDA in August, posing a threat to Gachagua as a potential rival centre of power. Nyoro has toured Mt Kenya and other regions, positioning his own party within the wider opposition movement and calling for democratic competition ahead of eventual opposition unity.
DP Kithure Kindiki from Tharaka Nithi has also been active, but not confronting Gachagua. He is emphasising development through UDA, promoting Ruto's record, calling for regional unity and an end to political violence. Kindiki presents a different political narrative in the region, not focusing on direct confrontation but on rebuilding relationships with communities, elders and grassroots leaders.
Infighting within DCP has also raised concerns, with the party removing Isaac Mungai, popularly known as Kijana Msafi, as Kiambu county youth leader with immediate effect. Mungai accused Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa of orchestrating efforts to remove him, saying he would not vacate the position unless Gachagua himself removed him. This has sparked fears that the emerging divisive politics within DCP could undermine the party's structures and damage its public image.
However, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia recently told the Star that DCP has built party structures to sustain the organisation beyond Gachagua's leadership. She said the party should not be viewed solely through the influence of its leader, citing its officials and grassroots networks as evidence the organisation is establishing a long-term presence. Muhia said DCP leaders will traverse Mt Kenya and beyond to build networks ahead of 2027.
A source familiar with the party's internal affairs said secretary-general John Methu has been holding a series of meetings with party organs to streamline its structures and project unity during Gachagua's absence. The source also said Gachagua has remained engaged through online meetings with party leaders, discussing his return and a mega welcome rally later this month. Political analyst Albert Kasembeli noted that while Gachagua and Nyoro are competing over political vehicles, Kindiki has combined development projects with calls for regional unity and an end to political violence.
Key points
- Gachagua's absence has created a power vacuum in Mt Kenya's politics.
- Rival leaders, including Ndindi Nyoro and Kithure Kindiki, are vying for influence in the region.
- Infighting within DCP has raised concerns about the party's ability to project a united front.
