Gachagua changes tack in bid to unite Mt Kenya

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has changed tack, becoming a central force in the latest efforts to seal widening cracks and unite his restive Mt Kenya heartland.

An analysis of the DP's recent initiatives shows a man determined to rally the region together and limit internal squabbles that could threaten its bargaining power.

It has now emerged that Gachagua's approach and outreach efforts are reshaping political alliances, transcending traditional divides and signalling a new era in the region's politics.

Gachagua has toned down his attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta after his previous onslaught proved costly, turned back on his fiery criticism of his opponents and sought to embrace all elected leaders.

On Thursday, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruuku said the DP is now firmly in charge of his Mt Kenya backyard and that the divisions witnessed earlier have now been hushed down.

The MP, a key ally of Gachagua, attributed the emerging Mt Kenya unity to the DP's shrewdness and consultative engagements with political leaders.

“Any leader who fails to accord Gachagua his respect as the Deputy President and as the leader of Mt Kenya region, we shall deal with him man to man," Ruuku said, insisting that the DP is the region's kingpin.

Gachagua's strategic interventions to woo his former critics and reduce perceived antagonism are realigning political alliances that could herald a new dawn of unity of purpose.

Political observers now say the region's political landscape, marred by factionalism and historical grievances in the last election, is experiencing a harmonious transformation under Gachagua's leadership.

The DP has moved to reassure the region of its place in President Wiliam Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government, downplaying claims of a raw deal for Mt Kenya.

In a bid to assuage fears that recently swept through the region, Gachagua has embarked on strategic visits to Mt Kenya in the company of President Ruto.

He has also opted to spend most of his Sundays attending church services in his backyard as he seeks to bolster and affirm his influence as the region's undisputed political godfather.

During a recent three-day tour by President Ruto, Gachagua emphasised the importance of unity.

He urged the community to remain loyal to Kenya Kwanza and rally behind President Ruto for national harmony, easing fears of the region being sidelined.

"We are one community, one people and one country united in support of our President William Ruto,'' he said in one stop during the tour of Embu, Nyeri and Meru counties.

Gachagua stressed the community's commitment to back President Ruto fully for mutual benefit and progress even as he seemed to have managed to silence the succession talk that had posed a threat.

A section of MPs had been pushing for early succession talk, fronting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as President Ruto's possible 2027 running mate over Gachagua.

The DP called on the community to dismiss any attempts to sow division among them, highlighting 1992 when the region was divided right down the middle.

Then Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Nyandarua supported Mwai Kibaki while Kiambu, Murang'a and Nairobi backed Kenneth Matiba.

It has also emerged that Gachagua has managed to mend fences with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria with whom he has had a cold war.

Kuria's subtle criticism of Gachagua had threatened to open a fresh rebellion front that could hurt the DP's efforts to consolidate Mt Kenya.

The DP is said to have agreed to grace Kuria's Mt Kenya football tournament played in all the counties.

There are reports that a major political conference is being planned in Limuru to cement the region's unity and rally behind a common agenda.

While it remains unclear whether Gachagua and his allies will attend, a faction that has been very critical of him led by Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua is reportedly arranging the forum.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a key ally of the Deputy President, said the leaders from Mt Kenya should be free to meet just like other regions.

“When Mount Kenya leaders meet to talk, you will start to hear people complaining but when Luhyas do so, no one complains. We must unite for the region's unity and growth," he said.

Kahiga's comments signal the thawing of the cold relationship between Gachagua's allies and opposition politicians from the region led by Karua.

"There is no harm when the people of Mount Kenya meet to discuss their pressing issues and thus the Mount Kenya region should not be always judged negatively while other communities in western and Rift Valley meet and talk about their issues," he said.

Karua and Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni on Thursday held talks at Fiesta Hotel in Ruaka to lay strategies for the Limuru III conference slated for April 19.

Joseph Manje, a former Kajiado North MP, attended the meeting.

Karua's group has however insisted that they are mobilising leaders and opinion influencers from the Mt Kenya region to discuss strategies for political survival and empowerment and to be the voice of Mount Kenya in the opposition.

The Narc Kenya leader recently told the media that the Limuru meeting will serve as a platform to address various socio-political issues affecting the community.

“The Constitution allows people with common interests to come together. We are not different from other communities and we should join hands to deliberate on our future,” she said.

Kioni emphasised the urgency of the conference to address the region’s political vulnerabilities.

He called for unity among leaders to counter threats to Mt Kenya’s political relevance.

JKUAT don and political analyst Charles Mwangi said Gachagua's leadership has injected a renewed sense of optimism into a region that has often grappled with internal dissent.

He said his approach to regional unity has helped to navigate the complex political landscape and his strategy for unity is receiving acclaim from political analysts who see this as a groundbreaking moment in Mount Kenya's political history.

"Gachagua's unifying vision is a breath of fresh air in Mount Kenya's political arena. His strategic approach is not just about alliances; it's a comprehensive effort to heal historical wounds and foster a sense of togetherness that has been long overdue," he said.

Former Gilgil MP Samuel Nderitu said Gachagua is like the conductor of a unity orchestra in the region.

He likened Gachagua's strategic actions to musical notes, each one harmoniously blending various elements to create a melody that resonates with the hopes and dreams of the people.

Nderitu emphasised the importance of backing both national unity and the government.

"We should pray for and support the unity of the national government. If they succeed, it benefits us all. If they fail, we will also face challenges with nothing to celebrate." He said.

Thuo Mathenge, the leader of the New Democrats Party, told the Star that Gachagua is surpassing conventional divisions, constructing bridges in spaces where gaps once existed and that his strategic approach to unity is paving the way for a fresh era of political collaboration.

"The Deputy President's outreach efforts go beyond mere political manoeuvres; they signify his unwavering dedication to the people of Mount Kenya,'' he said.

"Gachagua is transcending traditional divisions, erasing gaps and his strategic brilliance is laying the foundation for a fresh era of political collaboration."

Gachagua's alliance-building efforts and grassroots engagements form the crescendo of Mount Kenya's evolving political narrative.

“I endorse anyone working towards the unity of the Kikuyu community, irrespective of their political affiliation. Following the recent Kimorori Declaration in Kenol town, we collectively agreed that the unity of Mount Kenya is paramount and must be supported through all means,” Thuo said.

But Joseph Gachane, a political commentator, dismissed the Limuru III unity conference as nothing more than a calculated political manoeuvre orchestrated by Kioni and Karua to cling to relevance amidst the chaos of national political discord.

"Limuru III might not attract much-needed support as the proprietors think. Already, Karua and Kioni are attempting to exploit it for personal gain, aiming to craft a facade of relevance," Gachane said.

Albert Kasembeli, another analyst, echoed similar sentiments noting that in the face of critical voices, the Limuru III conference stands exposed as a thinly veiled attempt to revive the political ambitions of few politicians.

“The true test for Kioni and Karua will be whether they can convince the disillusioned masses that their agenda extends beyond personal ambitions and aligns with the genuine interests of the Mount Kenya region,"he said.

Andrew Maringa, a political analyst, stated that Gachagua has emerged as a pivotal figure in fostering unity within Mount Kenya, dedicating tireless efforts to instil a sense of unity and commitment to a shared purpose among both the populace and leadership.

“As the de facto leader of Mount Kenya, Gachagua not only commands respect but also wields considerable command and bargaining power on behalf of the region's inhabitants,” he said.

Isaiah Gichu, leader of the Party of Democratic Unity, said that with Mount Kenya at the forefront of national politics, Gachagua's efforts could pave the way for a more united and empowered community, transcending traditional political fault lines.