Wamuzi News Ke
A heated political battle erupted today as Professor Makau Mutua, a close advisor to President William Ruto, openly dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s ongoing U.S. trip, declaring it would produce “zero political value—not even one ndururu.”
During a pointed interview, Mutua, known for his incisive commentary, characterized Gachagua’s visit to American political and diaspora circles as “an empty spectacle” unlikely to yield tangible results for his ambitious political repositioning. The scathing critique marks one of the most forceful public rebukes of a senior Kenya Kwanza leader in recent memory—and signals mounting intra-coalition tension.
Advisor Bluntly Parades Political Realism
Mutua argued that while the trip may generate media buzz, it lacks strategic impact: “Not even one ndururu.” In Kikuyu vernacular, “ndururu” connotes a heavy impact or decisive outcome—suggesting Gachagua’s two-month foreign tour will fail to make any meaningful political difference back home.
Political analysts view Mutua’s disdainful remark as confirmation that the President’s inner circle sees Gachagua’s foreign engagements as misaligned with Kenya’s pressing domestic agenda—ranging from budget milestones to security briefings and legislative battles.
Gachagua Defiant, Willing to Challenge
Undeterred, Gachagua’s camp insists the U.S. tour is an essential step in strengthening diaspora ties, exploring strategic partnerships, and building an international network ahead of his anticipated 2027 political debut. Last week, he confirmed plans to meet diaspora representatives, diaspora business leaders, and U.S. lawmakers during his fortnight-long stay .
His defenders argue Mutua’s commentary signals desperation from the Ruto camp, which may be struggling to counter Gachagua’s emerging public profile.
Coalition Tensions Flash Into Light
The public exchange exposes widening fault lines within the Kenya Kwanza alliance. Gachagua, who was impeached and removed from the Deputy Presidency in October 2024, remains influential within the Mt Kenya political base—making him both a potent campaign figure and a potential threat to Ruto’s 2027 continuity.
Senior analysts described the moment as unprecedented: “A presidential advisor publicly deriding a former deputy president’s foreign tour reveals deep strategic divides—and a widening power struggle.”
Implications and What to Watch
- Brand battle ahead: Watch how Gachagua’s team responds to Mutua’s critiques—will the U.S. trip be defended as politically vital?
- Voter positioning: Gachagua aims to leverage diaspora networks—Mutua’s criticism may indicate efforts to undercut his reach.
- Coalition cohesion at stake: Will Ruto’s advisors rein in the sniping, or is this an opening salvo in a broader internal contest?
As Gachagua continues his U.S. tour, the real test will emerge when results appear—whether he can return with endorsements or initiatives that defy Mutua’s low expectations. Otherwise, his global expedition risks becoming a flashpoint in Kenya’s deeper power realignment.
