Wamuzi News Ke
A political storm has erupted within the ruling coalition as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly challenged President William Ruto over what he described as a betrayal of the Mt. Kenya region and mounting misgovernance in key portfolios. The raw and uncompromising remarks signal deep fissures in the ruling alliance ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Speaking at a funeral service in Murang’a County, Gachagua addressed Ruto by the nickname “Githinji”, saying:
“You, Githinji, we elected you, we loved you, and voted for you. You became the president, but you betrayed us. You lied to us and went ahead to frustrate us.”
Gachagua’s Core Accusations
Gachagua’s blistering address laid out several specific fractures in the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition:
- Political Betrayal of Mt. Kenya: Gachagua accused President Ruto of sidelining Mt. Kenya elites and disregarding the region’s overwhelming support in the 2022 elections, despite its pivotal role in the coalition’s victory.
- Governmental Incompetence: Gachagua alleged that key government functions have been mishandled, with the region’s interests neglected and government promises unmet—a circumstance he equated with “frustration” of Mt. Kenya citizens.
- Growing Trust Deficit: He argued that the region’s faithful delivery of support in 2022 has turned into a sense of counted-out abandonment, further eroding trust in the current administration.
This public rupture matters for Kenya’s political calculus for multiple reasons:
- Coalition Stability: The Kenya Kwanza coalition has relied heavily on Mt. Kenya support. Gachagua’s condemnation threatens to unravel the alliance’s internal cohesion ahead of crucial national elections.
- Electoral Implications: Mt. Kenya is home to a large voting block and key counties. Alienating this region could shift the balance of power in the next general election.
- Leadership Question: Gachagua’s bold stance raises questions about how President Ruto handles internal dissent—whether through concessions or further marginalisation.
- Public Perception: For voters in Mt. Kenya, the remarks may deepen the narrative of neglect and shift focus from policy disagreements to regional identity and loyalty.
Observers will closely watch how President Ruto and his inner circle respond. Possible scenarios include:
- A public gesture of reconciliation directed toward Mt. Kenya communities and Gachagua’s faction.
- A retort or counter-narrative from Ruto’s camp, potentially accusing Gachagua of fomenting division.
- Political realignment in Mt. Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections, with new alliances or leaders emerging.
With less than two years to the next presidential vote, the eruption of this fissure marks a pivotal moment. The trust between Kenya’s Mt. Kenya region and its national leadership appears deeply shaken—and how both parties engage going forward could reshape the political terrain.
