Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has wrapped up a three-day political tour of the Meru region, expressing gratitude to residents for what he termed an “overwhelming show of support.” The tour, which spanned several constituencies in Meru County, saw Gachagua rally locals to back the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 23, Gachagua shared images of large crowds that turned up to welcome him, writing: “Thank you, Meru, my brothers and sisters.” The post followed what he described as one of his most dramatic political visits to the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua arrived in Meru on Friday, June 20, accompanied by several allied politicians. During his speeches, he asserted that the region had turned against the Kenya Kwanza administration and was now ready to embrace a new political direction. He painted Meru as a region disillusioned with President William Ruto’s leadership, declaring that the county was shifting loyalties in anticipation of change in 2027.
However, the tour was marred by tension and chaos, particularly on June 21 in Tigania East, along the Meru–Mikinduri highway. Violent clashes broke out when rival groups confronted each other ahead of Gachagua’s rally. A group of youths, reportedly hired to disrupt the event, lit bonfires and blocked roads using burning tyres, causing a transport crisis and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
The tension escalated when local residents supporting Gachagua confronted the protesters. After a heated standoff, the supporters cleared the road and secured passage for the former deputy president’s convoy. During the rally, a Gachagua-allied MP accused a local political rival of sponsoring the disruption.
Notably, Gachagua’s visit coincided with President Ruto’s own official tour of Meru town on the same day. Addressing his supporters, the President lashed out at Gachagua, accusing him of sowing division and misleading the public.
The dramatic visit underscores growing political tensions within the Mt Kenya region as leaders position themselves for the 2027 race.
