Kenya's political landscape is witnessing a resurgence of grassroots movements reminiscent of the Tangatanga and Kieleweke factions.
The camps defined the latter years of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee administration.
The Kieleweke group supported Uhuru, advocating against early succession politics.
Tangatanga rallied behind Deputy President William Ruto (now President), criticising perceived political and economic marginalisation.
Central to this revival is DP Rigathi Gachagua’s "I’m a Villager Movement", which emphasises regional identity and grassroots mobilisation.
The movement echoes past political strategies while forging a distinct mobilisation path forward.
Gachagua’s approach, analysts say, is akin to Ruto’s highly vilified “Tangatanga movement” which embraced the 'villager' narrative. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta criticised DP Ruto for wandering aimlessly around, or kutangatanga. It turned into a pro-Ruto slogan.
In contrast, Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah champions "My Village is Kenya," advocating national unity over regionalism. That would be Ruto’s slogan today.
This ideological clash has sparked a branded merchandise battle — T-shirts and caps with “I’m a Villager” versus “My Village is Kenya” — battle among their followers on social media.
Political analysts argue that Gachagua’s grassroots mobilisation isn't just nostalgic but strategic, tapping into Kenya’s intricate political fabric and sense of regional identity.
They note parallels with historical dynamics, stressing the village's pivotal role in shaping political identity and power.
The villager movement is championed by key Mt Kenya leaders, including among them Mary Wamaua (Maragua), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Jane Kihara (Naivasha) and former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri among others.
On the other hand, “My Village is Kenya” is led by Ichung'wah, Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East) and former State House new media director Dennis Itumbi, among others.
A dozen of Ruto's allies have continuously escalated their criticism, accusing Gachagua of playing a regressive card by urging elected officials to stay within their constituencies, concentrate on their constituents and not wander around the country.
Political analysts argue the emergence of the "I’m a Villager Movement," is ‘not just a nostalgic echo of past political dynamics but a strategic manoeuvre deeply rooted in Kenya's unique political soil’.
They argue Gachagua is following in President Ruto's footsteps when he was accused of idling around the country to seek cheap political mileage (tangatanga) and he has also taken ‘villager accusations’ in stride by fitting into the narrative.
The DP recently during the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya International Conference in Mombasa hit out at his critics, telling them he will not shy away from being proud of his tribe.
"Everybody should be proud of your origin and identity, nobody should ever make you feel embarrassed about your origin and identity,'' Gachagua said.
He said he will always retreat to the village after work, adding that Kenyans should not feel ashamed of their tribe because everybody belongs to a certain region or tribe.
“Kila mtu akonakwao, hii Mombasa na Nairobi niya kutafuta riziki, but mwisho kabisa unajua utarudi,” he said. (“Everybody has their home, in Mombasa and Nairobi we come to eke a living but we know we shall finally go home.”)
Ichung'wah argues for unity that transcends village, regional and ethnic boundaries, in contrast to Gachagua’s village-centric approach.
In a recent session of the National Assembly, the DP was accused of undermining national unity and the agendas of President Ruto.
“There is a famous saying that you can’t build a kingdom with someone who still wants the attention of the village. We will not build our nation if we still want attention from our villages. Let us build that nation where we must and seek the attention of Kenya, not the attention of your villagers,” Ichung'wah said.
Gachagua’s camp has criticised Ichung'wah's ideology, emphasising the Kenya Kwanza administration was elected on the bottom-up economic platform, which fundamentally supports the village-to-town narrative.
Wamau from Maragua, during a political rally in Nyeri, said they will not allow Gachagua to be disrespected, adding that the people of Mt Kenya region will rally behind his regional unity bid.
“We can’t call for unity without starting from the bottom," Mary Waithira, Maragua MP, said.
“Even Jesus Christ began in his home turf of Nazareth before spreading the word to the rest of the country. Everyone has their own place of origin, and we can’t start speaking about unity from the top. Let us not forget about the bottom-up mantra.”
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru recently said that there are individuals financing elected leaders in Mt Kenya to create division.
“These financiers give our leaders small amounts of money to avoid discussing issues affecting the people of Mt Kenya and to employ divide- and-rule tactics, preventing us from demanding our fair share in government,” he said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei recently urged Gachagua to continue pushing for unity, urging leaders to support him as second in command.
“We express satisfaction with your leadership, Rigathi Gachagua, and commend the collaborative efforts with President Ruto. You face opposition due to your commendable efforts in reforming the coffee and, tea sectors, and combating illicit brew,” he said.
Political analyst and JKUAT don Charles Mwangi told the Star that the political dynamics of 2017 will remain pivotal in the 2027 elections.
He said that the revival of village-based political movements is reminiscent of the Tangatanga and Kieleweke dynamics, underscoring the persistent influence of grassroots dynamics in Kenya’s political landscape.
“The clash between leaders in the region mirrors historical debates over the balance between local autonomy and national cohesion, reflecting Kenya’s complex sociopolitical landscape,” he said.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli, reinforced Mwangi’s sentiment, adding that as Kenya navigates these familiar waters, the lessons from the past provide a roadmap for understanding the evolving dynamics.
He said politicians who previously criticised former President Kenyatta for allegedly mistreating Ruto are now engaged in similar conflicts with Gachagua.
He said the grassroots mobilisation by Gachagua is a strategic move to solidify his base and ensure regional loyalty, which is crucial for political survival and influence.
“The grassroots movements, with their village-centric focus remind us that in Kenyan politics, the village is not just a place — it’s the heart of political identity and power,” he said.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya recently accused MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Kiunjuri and Itumbi of attempting to tarnish Gachagua’s image in his own constituency.
Gakuya said that their actions are aimed at portraying Gachagua as parochial and lacking national appeal.
He alleged that these leaders are promoting a narrative suggesting that Nyoro is the most suitable candidate to replace Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate for 2027.
In response to Gakuya, Itumbi utilised his social media platform to say, “Our advocacy for generational change isn’t about dismissing the past but rather learning from it and building on mentorship.
“Generational change reflects the voice of the majority. We respect the guidance and accomplishments of those who came before us, yet we have reached a point where we are prepared to assume roles in business, careers, and politics.”
Kiunjuri during an interview with Inooro TV recently dismissed allegations of collaborating with individuals tarnishing Gachagua’s reputation, asserting that Gachagua himself possesses such attributes.
He accused Gachagua of acting as an activist rather than fulfilling the role of a deputy president.
He emphasised that a deputy president should focus on advocating for the implementation of policies, such as the one-man-one-vote-one-shilling revenue sharing formula, rather than engaging directly in campaign activities related to it.
“The motion can be brought through the Cabinet, typically led by the leader of the majority. Those individuals seen on the streets are Cabinet members who have the authority to garner signatures for a constitutional review. What exactly are they implying? They are engaging in political activism,” Kiunjuri said during the interview.
“Why do you want to impose yourself on the people? Leadership isn’t about forcing yourself onto others. It’s about cultivating acceptance through genuine support, not instilling fear.”
Political analyst Joseph Gachane said that Gachagua’s strategy to consolidate support at the grassroots mirrors past tactics but also introduces new dynamics.
He said that the challenge lies in balancing local demands with national priorities to foster inclusive development.
President Ruto has already warned leaders against engaging in petty politics, especially those of succession.
Addressing a congregation at Amutala Stadium in Bungoma county, Ruto affirmed that his administration would ensure equitable distribution of development resources across all regions of Kenya, aiming to foster national solidarity.
"I have been in politics for a long time, and I understand the dangers of divisive politics based on ethnicity. I urge you to not walk on the slippery road of dividing Kenyans based on tribal affiliations, let us focus our attention on the transformation of Kenya and not the division of Kenya. I urge all leaders to move in that direction. “Ruto said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony at Chepterwai Girls High School in Nandi a few weeks ago criticised Gachagua. He alleged the DP was embarrassing the President with purported tribal remarks.
"How can it be that while the President is bringing honour to our country abroad, you are undermining his efforts? He seeks to bring peace to war-torn nations, yet your actions risk tarnishing his reputation and frustrating his reconciliation efforts. Those being reconciled will question his leadership in peace talks amidst tribal divisions in our country. This cannot be allowed," he said.