A growing rift within the Kenya Kwanza coalition played out publicly over the weekend as a section of President William Ruto’s allies strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during an empowerment drive in Mathira constituency, Nyeri County.
Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the leaders urged Mt Kenya residents to reject what they termed as “self-serving political manoeuvres” by Gachagua aimed at undermining the Kenya Kwanza administration. The criticism comes just days before Gachagua is expected to launch his own political party, signalling deeper divisions in the ruling coalition.
“We want to focus on delivering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda that we promised Kenyans. There are those who want to drag us into divisive politics. We want to tell them: we have no time,” Ichung’wah declared.
Other leaders present, including Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiments, dismissing premature campaigns for the 2027 elections. Wamatinga lauded the proposed 2024/25 budget, highlighting its emphasis on sealing tax loopholes rather than introducing new taxes.
“We thank the President because for the first time, we are seeing a budget that doesn’t introduce new taxes but instead seeks to seal revenue leakages,” Wamatinga said.
Sudi, in a blunt message, told voters not to be misled by those pushing early campaigns. “You voted recently, and now someone wants to drag you into 2027 politics. Don’t be fooled. This is the time to demand development markets, roads, and jobs,” he said.
Nyandarua Woman Rep Faith Gitau reiterated the message, calling on constituents to stay focused on service delivery rather than political sideshows.
The increased frequency of empowerment forums in the Mt Kenya region, especially since President Ruto’s visit a month ago, is being seen as a calculated effort to regain the region’s support. Analysts note that the region has shown signs of disillusionment with the ruling coalition, and Gachagua’s political maneuvers may further test loyalties ahead of 2027.
As internal tensions mount, Mt Kenya remains a key political battleground with potential to significantly influence the country’s political trajectory in the coming years.
