NJAU: Mt Kenya leaders leagues apart on unity as hardline politics deepen

Political fissures in the Mt Kenya region are widening and leaders are divided between calls for unity and hardline factionalism and rhetoric.

The region, long considered a united and decisive voting bloc in national politics, is increasingly witnessing both calls for reconciliation and aggressive grassroots mobilisation.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is central to the politics of succession after his bitter falling out with President William Ruto who won the Mt Kenya vote. Gachagua is seeking to consolidate his stronghold in the region.

Political players say the emerging dynamic has exposed jagged fault lines among key leaders, raising concerns over whether the region will ever again speak in one voice in the future or remain politically fragmented.

Gachagua, in new tack, recently urged the Mt Kenya community not to heckle President Ruto during his tour in the region. Those remarks have drawn both support and criticism across the political divide.

The former DP, who in the past has poured vitriol on the presidency, harshly criticised Mt Kenya leaders who, he said, have betrayed the region.

“Don’t heckle Ruto again when he comes to Mt Kenya,” the Democracy for Citizens Party leader said. “Lazima tumnyonye [We must milk him]. We need to benefit from development, but we should not allow community betrayers to address us, we will shout at them.”

Analysts said Gachagua’s remarks signalled a complex political posture, one that simultaneously calls for calm while sustaining pressure against perceived political adversaries within the region.

Even as he urges respect for the presidency during official visits, the former DP has maintained a combative stance toward leaders he accuses of betraying the Mt Kenya community, particularly those who supported his impeachment in October 2024.

He recently called DP Kithure Kindiki to rally behind Kenyan leaders to unite the region, claiming that already President Ruto has the given DP slot to the Nyanza region.

Former Ruiru MP and 2027 DCP aspirant Esther Gathogo dismissed claims that Gachagua has softened his position toward President Ruto.

Gathogo told the Star the opposition remains firmly committed to unseating the current administration, saying that impeaching the DCP leader was a blunder by Ruto.

“Nothing has changed with Gachagua,” she said. “We are telling our people to accept development, but come 2027 we will send Ruto home.” She said the united opposition was ready to make Ruto a one-term president.

By contrast, Kindiki has positioned himself as a unifying figure within the region. On numerous occasions he has called for reconciliation among Mt Kenya leaders. He is from Tharaka Nithi.  

Recently, he emphasised forgiveness and cooperation among the leaders across the political divide. He said he has forgiven the opposition, including Gachagua.

“I do not have any problem with my brothers…I have forgiven unconditionally,” Kindiki said, signalling a departure from the confrontational politics characteristic of recent engagements in the region.

Analysts say he is trying to consolidate his leadership credentials and appeal to a broader constituency within Mt Kenya.

Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanji on Wednesday, during a burial service in Nakuru, said the time is coming for all Mt Kenya leaders to speak with one voice for their own betterment.  

He said the community will look to former President Uhuru for proper plans and the best way forward for the region.

“Let us elect leaders based on merit,” he said. “We will talk when the right time comes. Currently, we do not have a leader at the top and we will reach out even to former President Uhuru for guidance, as well as other leaders. Do not focus too much on political parties.”

Ruto recently weighed in on the region’s unfolding dynamics, dismissing claims that his support base in Mt Kenya is under threat. During his recent Nyeri tour, he expressed confidence in his positive relationship with residents.

“Some people think they can bring petty politics and noise to destroy our relationship with the people from this region and that is not possible,” the President said.

His allies have echoed his sentiments and a number have called for reconciliation and reduced tensions.

Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe in a recent media interview urged leaders to lower the political temperature and create space for dialogue.

Kagombe said Gachagua has recently reduced his vocal bitterness and is not abusing his critics. He claimed the former DP could eventually be reintegrated into government structures.

“Gachagua should be forgiven. We can find a way for him to work with the government again. Recently, he has reduced his attacks,” Kagombe said.

In recent interview with the Star, Njuri Ncheke Council organising secretary for operations Josphat Murangiri called for leaders to unite and promote development. 

Murangiri urged leaders to rally behind DP Kindiki, describing unity as essential for both political and economic progress in the region.

“We are calling on leaders to unite behind Kindiki as the senior most leader in the region. Unity is critical for our development,” Murangiri said.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri called on the region’s people to shun divisive politics.

Kiunjuri said that other regions have made progress because of their willingness to work with national leadership during presidential visits.

“I urge our people not to concentrate on the politics of hatred. They should support their leaders for the sake of growth, especially those serious about development,” he said.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has also called on residents to support President Ruto's administration.

She said Gachagua and the opposition team will have changed their stance on Ruto by April next year, noting that they have already apologised to the former DP for his impeachment.

 “By April next year, hii opposition itakuwa mara nne, kuna kitu najua hamjui, ndo maana alisema rais asitukanwe, mimi kuna kitu najua nyinyi hamjui na msiweke siasa kwa roho,” Waiguru said, while dismission opposition unity. 

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina was recently shouted down during President Ruto's tour in Thika town after she assailed Gachagua.

National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah also faced a hostile reception in Thika and Juja constituencies.

“Politics is about competition, and we will engage each other just as we do with the opposition,” Ichung’wah said before abruptly ending his speech.

John Wahinya, a political analyst and columnist, said the region is witnessing what he called “parallel messaging strategies”.

He said that leaders’ contrasting messaging is not accidental but a calculated strategy aimed at different audiences.

“Politician are exercising caution, they are measuring their words as they try to entice the crowd,” he told the Star. “Their political message is aimed at maintaining national stability, while another is designed to consolidate their grassroots support.”

Wahinya warned that if not managed carefully, the ongoing divisions could weaken Mt Kenya’s bargaining power in national politics, diminishing its influence in future political negotiations.

Political analyst Albert Kasembeli said recent statements from key figures reflect a broader struggle for control and influence within the region.

“The Mt Kenya region is becoming increasingly fragmented, with different camps interpreting political messages in ways that suit their interests ahead of 2027,” he said.

Kiamwangi MCA Kung’u Smart agreed, saying the current political environment is a blend of reassurance and mobilisation.

“What we are witnessing isn't new, it's a political calibration,” he said.

“This year and next year, you will hear politicians contrasting with each other while speaking different audiences. At the national level, there is an effort to maintain stability, while at the grassroots, there is active mobilisation,” he said.

Kung’u said Gachagua’s approach appears designed to maintain relevance in the region despite his impeachment, balancing a softer tone toward the presidency with continued criticism of government allies.

“He is trying to maintain legitimacy,” he said. “The softened tone reduces immediate political risk, while the hardline rhetoric keeps his support base energised,” Kungu said.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba on Thursday called on the community to elect leaders based on merits. He recalled that in 2022, he had warned against electing a certain crop of leaders.

He rallied residents to be vigilant against political manipulation and maintain national unity ahead of 2027.

“Pick leaders who will advise you and tell you the truth,” Uhuru said. “There are those with sweet words who can mislead you to the point of giving away even your last-born daughter for free. Don’t be cheated. We need leaders who will move this country forward. There is no other way Kenya will develop if we continue hating each other,” he said.

Despite Uhuru’s request for moderation, Gachagua who attended the same burial, accused Ruto allies of sabotaging development by enhancing corruption. He told Uhuru that since he left office the country is not moving in the right direction.

He also said some leaders think that he cannot work with Uhuru, owing to how he insulted the President and his family during the2022 campaign.

 “I’ve heard Ruto’s people claim Uhuru cannot work with me,” Gachagua said. “They don’t know us. Voting for you doesn’t mean you understand us.”

Former Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu said on social media that President Kenyatta was referring to Gachagua when he warned voters about leaders with “sweet tongues”.

Rurimi rwa uki? (Tongue full of honey?),” Ngunjiri posted. “We must avoid doing politics of insults, tribal mobilisation, anger and hatred? Uhuru was not holding anything back today. No wonder ‘Jofri’ (Gachagua) was so nervous.”

Ngunjiri said Gachagua, whom he calls ‘Jofri,’ during the event was trying to show that he is working with Uhuru and that past issues are behind them.

“Uhuru reminded us how ‘Jofri’ Gachagua misled the community and spoke against people with sweet tongues and tribal mobilisation,” he said.

Party of Democratic Unity national chairman Isaiah Gichu said the region is likely to remain fragmented ahead of the 2027 election.

Gichu maintained that most of the leaders in the region are competing to control the political narrative ahead of the general election.

“No single narrative dominates the region. Every major leader is trying to shape perception ahead of 2027, which is why we are seeing conflicting statements almost every week,” he said.