A
political cat-and-mouse contest is unfolding in the Mt Kenya region as former
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his successor Kithure Kindiki intensify
parallel tours aimed at consolidating support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The two
leaders have in recent weeks appeared to shadow each other’s movements, each
seeking to demonstrate influence over the vote-rich region that was central to
the victory of William Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
Gachagua,
who has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the government following his
impeachment, briefly stepped out of the Mt Kenya region last week to join
leaders of the United Opposition for political rallies in Kisii and Nyamira
counties.
But as the
opposition caravan pitched camp in the Gusii region, Kindiki was simultaneously
touring parts of Mt Kenya East, including Embu and Meru counties, where he
drummed up support for the government and the ruling UDA.
He also
inspected projects, such as the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kianjai
Market.
Ahead of
Gachagua’s return to the mountain on Friday, DP Kindiki was on Thursday back in
Meru, where he inspected ongoing road projects. At the same time, President
William Ruto was meeting MCAs Duncan Nyaga (Evurore) and Peterson Njeru
(Muminji), who were elected in the recent by elections in Mbeere North, Embu
county. They were accompanied by Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku and Mbeere
North MP Leonard Wamuthende.
“We are
making progress in transforming politics in Kenya from retrogressive, tribal,
divisive and personality-driven contests to issues. This was clearly evident in
the recent by-elections, with our party, UDA, carrying the day in a big way,”
Ruto said.
The
overlapping tours highlight the growing political contest over the region,
widely regarded as one of the country’s most decisive electoral blocs.
The visits
demonstrate the importance of the region in shaping the outcome of the 2027
presidential elections.
In in
Kisii and Nyamira, Gachagua joined leaders allied to the emerging
anti-government coalition to criticise the administration’s economic policies
and rally support beyond the traditional Mt Kenya political base.
The visits
were seen as part of a broader strategy by the opposition to build alliances
across regions as it seeks to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
But even
as Gachagua campaigned outside the mountain, Kindiki’s presence in Mt Kenya
East was interpreted as an effort by the government to maintain its grip on the
region and counter the former Deputy President’s growing influence.
Government-aligned
leaders accompanying Kindiki framed the tour as part of ongoing development
engagements, highlighting infrastructure projects and government programmes in
the counties he visited.
The Deputy
President has been increasingly visible in the region, leading the by-election
campaigns, attending economic forums and inspecting and launching projects
aimed at campaigning for the administration in the restive region.
Kindiki is
also under pressure to deliver the mountain, amidst contestation for the Deputy
President slot in 2027.
As soon as
the opposition tour of the Gusii region concluded, Gachagua quickly shifted his
focus back to Mt Kenya.
Over the
weekend, the DCP leader held meetings in Nyahururu, Nyandarua and Nyeri, where
he rallied supporters and criticised the government’s handling of economic
issues affecting farmers and small businesses.
Gachagua
is expected to continue his mobilisation drive this week with political
engagements in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, the backyard of Kindiki.
His return
to the region underscores his determination to retain influence in Mt Kenya
despite sustained efforts by Kindiki and allies of the President in the region.
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